Daily Archives: November 21, 2005

Everyone loves a top five list so which blogs would make mine? Well, the way I would judge it would be this way - when I open up Bloglines and see who's posted overnight (don't forget Australia is ahead of Europe and North America if only in time) there are some feeds I absolutely get perked up for straightaway. I'll either leave them to the very last (save the best to last type scenario) if I have a bit of time or if it's a bit of squeeze time wise, then I'll check my top 5ers first. So, at the moment, here's who I can't wait to read.

1. Weblogg-ed.

Probably a lot of people's favourites, Will is the king of edubloggers and has always a fresh twist on a lot of blog related topics. Always makes time and space for others to respond and I love his economical style of writing. Must have been patient to have been blogging so long with so few peers at the beginning compared to the seething mass of contributors now. And if he wants to check the pulse of the blogosphere, Will posts an issue and the responses pile in.

2. Teach And Learn Online

Leigh is like a lone maverick of Aussie edublogging, a gun for hire not afraid to wade into any issue and express his view. I could be wrong but being Australian helps to fully "get" his sense of wit - case in point about in his post about the Blacktownyoof. Again, not much escapes his radar (he was championing Gizmo a couple of months ago) and we actually need people like Leigh making the decisions about this country's edtech future. Somehow, I think he prefers the role of activist, pricking the consciences of others and being out of the mainstream herd.

3. CogDogBlog / D’Arcy Norman Dot Net

I know it's a copout to list two at the one position but both of these two guys provide great perspective. Both work in higher education but I love their technical stuff presented in layman's terms suitable for R-12 education. Alan is very insightful and D'Arcy's irreverence is healthy in an edtech world that can take itself too seriously.

4. The Open Classroom

If you want passion and insight from a classroom point of view, it's hard to go past Jo McLeay's well written blog. It's no surprise that her classes correspond with the equally talented Clarence Fisher's students and share life in Melbourne with the rest of the world. Read about the connections Jo makes with her students and you know they will be well prepared for digital life beyond school.

5. pedersondesigns / Remote Access

Another two favourites that I can't separate despite the very different styles. John Pederson coves a lot of territory and seeks to engage educators still dubious about life in Web 2.0. Got to love someone prepared to stir the pot! And Clarence is one of the most eloquent bloggers going, painting this detailed picture of life in Snow Lake almost in the style of a novelist. No wonder his work is constantly ripped and remixed and his media profile promotes student blogging at every opportunity.

So, who's your top five?