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Blog Reflections on Educators As Indigenous Allies

Blog Reflections on  Educators As Indigenous Allies (2024)

Blog address: https://educatorallies.blogspot.com/

            Reflecting on the experience of blogging over the past two months, I am very inspired to keep blogging.  At the beginning I was unsure of how to get started.  Previously, I created two different PME learning websites prior to this course, and I wanted to move from the static website format into a more interactive blogging format so that I could start a more interactive and reciprocal dialogue with people.  Up until this point, I have really enjoyed the opportunity to write, study and develop greater confidence in my own abilities within the supportive confines of our Queen’s University cohort.   Still, I felt excited to start a process which could be expanded further into my own local community, and which I can share and collaborate with others interested in decolonization, Reconciliation and Indigenization.

My earlier PME Journey Website

            In terms of the format, I chose Blogger because it was free and seemed relatively easy to understand.  Still, it is more challenging in terms of formatting than the Google Sites interface.  I am still experiencing glitches in the technology and often feeling frustrated with how the software is displaying and formatting the text.  When I have more time, I hope to explore WordPress or other blogging formats, to see if there is one that is more user friendly, so I can spend more time writing and less time trying to format things how I would like them to look.  As well, I would like to be able to embed vimeo videos, rather than just Youtube videos, as there are some great resources only available through vimeo and Blogger won’t let me do this. 

My Previous Capstone Website

            In terms of the process of reflection, I am really enjoying the opportunity to reflect critically on the readings we were offered.  I have also focused on connecting these readings and materials to Indigenous perspectives, since that is the main focus of my studies.  As well, Indigenous pedagogies are inherently reflective and contemplative (Bell, 2014)(Chrona, 2023), which aligns well with the content and process of this course.  I see how the readings and ongoing reflections, along with peer collaboration through responding to discussion posts offers an opportunity for deep learning about the processes of teaching, learning, creativity and innovation. 

            After this course, I hope to continue developing my blog and start promoting it through my social media connections.  Now I have a foundational number of blog posts, I feel confident that there is some great information to begin sharing and extending out into my personal and professional learning communities. I feel inspired to be at the point now that I can share my ideas and begin moving forward with stronger collaborations, especially with local Indigenous community members.  Ultimately, this is a great transition in my learning journey, which I began with the website Educators As Indigenous Allies (2024) from more static, uni-directional scholarship, into a more interactive, collaboration of learning in community.  As I learned from Bozarth (2011) “If you engage, people will engage back…Show up. Share. And participate.”  I am hopeful that if I begin to promote my blog through my social media connections, a more interactive dialogue will ensue.  Overall, I feel a sense of transformation through this practice of reflection and blogging. 

References

Bell, N. (2014) Teaching by the medicine wheel. EdCan Network.

https://www.edcan.ca/articles/teaching-by-the-medicine-wheel/

Bozarth, J. (2011, April 5)  Nuts and bolts – building a personal learning network (PLN)

Learning Guild. https://www.learningguild.com/articles/659/nuts-and-bolts-building-a-personal-learning-network--pln/?rd=1

Chrona, J. (2022) Wayi Wah! Indigenous pedagogies – an act for reconciliation and anti-

racist education. Portage & Main Press.

Mobbs, M. (2024) Educators as indigenous allies. Blogger. https://educatorallies.blogspot.com/

Mobbs, M. (2024) Educators as indigenous allies. Google Sites.

https://sites.google.com/view/kootenay-indigenous-allies/learning-journey/truth-reconciliation


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