Solving Problems at Google Using Computational Thinking



Find curriculum aligned lessons, examples, and resources at www.google.com/edu/ect.

Hello World Part Deux

It's been a couple of years since I started BrokenAirplane so I thought I would use the opportunity of this EdTech Blogger survey study to reintroduce myself and the blog.


Blog URL:
www.brokenairplane.com

What do you blog about?
Tutorials, resources, tips, and innovation in education. Technology is often involved but I try to let great pedagogy be the motivation to blog not shiny new gadgets.

Are you paid to blog?
No

What do you do professionally (other than blog)?
I was a math, science, and robotics teacher and now I work at Google as an Instructional Designer as well as get the word out about Computational Thinking.

How long have you been blogging at this site?
Almost exactly 3 years.

Do you write in other platforms? (e.g. in a print magazine?)
I do not but I have been interviewed for articles and publications.

Can you remember why you started blogging?
I was sharing links to resources and teaching classes on using technology effectively in the classroom. I figured that others might want these resources as well and I wouldn't have to repeat myself.

What keeps you blogging?
Education resources and programs exist for students and educators that are truly empowering and incredible. The problem is that it is hard to get the word out so I hope to be another voice promoting great pedagogy. It has also helped me become better at articulating my thoughts.

Do you have any idea of the size or character if your audience? How?
Yes, I gather metrics from social and page analytics. My readership is approximately 10,000/month. The primary readership is educators from the US but there is also a sizable international audience. Some come to the blog for resources others are looking for ideas on ways they can implement computational thinking in their classroom.

What’s your attitude to/ relationship with people who comment on your blog?
I love comments especially when they aren't spam :) If there is a question I respond/fix it as quickly as I can because I want to help anyone who asks.

Do you feel as if you fit into any particular community, network or genre of blogging? (e.g. schools, science, education, museums, technology)
I'm sure I most closely identify with math, science, engineering, computer science teachers since I speak on that topic a lot but I often speak about education revolution which is applicable to anyone who is passionate about the future of learning.

If so, what does that community give you?
Resources, ideas, it's all about connecting the community together.

What do you think are the advantages of blogging? What are its disadvantages/ limitations?
Blogging allows anyone to have a voice and share resources and best practices. It takes time to do it well and get the word out. I often fight against the urge to blog just to blog. I wait until I am dying to say something and then it becomes a labor of love. I hope that 97% of my posts are something that I would be proud of 5 years from now.

Do you tell people you know offline that you’re a blogger? (e.g. your grandmother, your boss)
I don't consider myself a "blogger" because I do many things and blogging is just one way I express my ideas. I do tell people that I blog and point them to it.



Hope this was helpful to anyone who is visting and I am glad you are here. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you and feel free to subscribe and connect to keep up to date as I often post on Google+.