The Fischbowl Review

Today I read one of Karl Fisch’s past posts on the fishbowl. The blog that I read was from his July 31, 2008 post titled “It is what we make it”. The funny thing about a blog is the ability of the writer to discuss anything that they choose. The only thing that governs the topics in the fishbowl is Karl’s imagination and perhaps the Littleton Public school board’s unwritten rules of inappropriate language or content. This particular blog was a clear case of personal observation and opinion for Karl.
This particular blog was centered on people’s ability to merge different strengths and ideas by using technology. Karl was emailed and article by one of his colleagues about a group called the Element. The “Element” project is about a group of individuals that want to open up a raw food restaurant in the D.C. area. They focused their efforts in research by asking the stakeholders what they want in a restaurant. Their idea is why they wouldn’t ask before building a restaurant is insane.
Karl’s perspective of the idea is that it’s a very good example of technology being used for the betterment of intelligent collaboration. The opportunity for individuals several hundred miles away from one another or a few doors down can share ideas that can be extremely rewarding. Karl sees this group’s actions as an example that teachers can use to network with other teachers for the benefit of all their students. The connection he is not completely sold on, but he leaves the final say so up to his readers.
For me this blog encourages me to start my own blog once I start teaching. The freedom to voice my opinion in a format that hundreds even thousands can read and respond to. It is also a way for me to network and gain new colleagues. The blog also can allow others as well as me to debate issues both relevant and irrelevant. Karl has shown me that a blog can matter and perhaps even make a difference to someone or something.