I love reading blogs that are either visionary, challenging or practical. Here is a blog that is very practical.

Jacqui Sharp is an Educational Consultant who works in Auckland, New Zealand. I’ve never met her but would like to. Her blog:

• is written with tips for teaching junior and senior students (generally a Primary/Elementary focus) .
• shows a strength in incorporating powerpoints into everyday teaching and shares these with you.
• uses web 2.0 tools effectively for teaching and learning eg: Scribd, Bubl.us, Inspiration, Delicious, etc.
• shares a range of sites that will support the following classroom programs: spelling, writing, oral language (and this is only on the first page!).

Click here or on the picture above to visit Jacqui’s blog.

I was stoked to be able to attend this years ULearn 08 conference in Christchurch. Last year I attended ULearn 07 and valued the chance to meet my fellow online bloggers in the flesh. We had established professional relationships over time by visiting one anothers blogs and simply entering into the dialogue that occurs by leaving comments.

This year, thanks to Simon’s foresight, we made an effort as bloggers to meet for breakfast.

Now there’s a bunch of Kiwi’s that will be taking the NZ education system into a bright future! ;+)

Bloggers present (in mixed order to respect their personal identities):Suzie, Toni, Amanda, Simon, Greg, Jane, Erin, Kirsten and Barbara.

The reason I blog this is to celebrate these and other online relationships. The people above are a few of the many professionals that contribute to a large percentage of my professional development. It all happens via blogs, twitter, nings, skype and other web 2.0 tools. So thanks guys, you have and are inspiring me!

If you haven’t started participating online I encourage you too. Explore some educational blogs and begin by leaving thoughtful comments. It all grows from there.

If you would like to be introduced to others in the network just leave any of us a comment. We are happy to help. :+)

Hmm – how to start I will not be long winded in my posts hence the following bullet points:

• This blog is titled “Education Investigation – Separating the wheat from the chaff” because that is exactly what I endeavour to do. There is lots of good stuff out there but also there are many “distractions” that don’t lend to enhancing teaching and learning. My goal is to find the good stuff and weed out the rubbish.
• This blog has been on my mind for a while. With the nagging help of some of my online friends: AllanahK, Jane Nicholls, Rachel Boyd and Chrissy Hellyer, together with the end of year approaching, it is timely to reflect and begin this blog.
• I hope by sharing my thoughts and experiences it will develop me into a better educator and serve to help others.