Getting started is one of the toughest things to do..you don’t know who your audience is. You might feel weird typing words on a blank text field you are unsure anyone will read.
First, write for yourself. What can you blog today that will have value to you a year from now? Posting your vacation pictures and video clips is a great first start. You want to add as much detail as possible to ensure the post has cues to prompt your memories. Maybe add a voice recording to your text descriptions and photos, to add more you (as you are now) into the post.
Second, write for your family and friends. What do think might be useful additional detail or background explanations so that your friends and family are on the same page as you are, and understand you more? We often deliberately re-mix our experiences depending on who we are presenting ourselves to, so be aware of how you are changing your self-presentation.
Third, write as a learner. Are you using the blogging tool to create drafts, to connect ideas, to share thoughts and experiences, or to monitor your own progress? You are modelling and performing as a learner on how to engage in critical analysis, and demonstrate your skill while reviewing sites, blog posts, slides, podcasts, videos, articles and books.
Fourth, write as a cultural ambassador. Are you a cultural ambassador representing the culture from which you are from? If you are working alongside peers from other cultures, then it is suggested that you write commentary on cultural events, and compare differences. Perhaps you might also relate your own experiences with culture shock while living/working/vacationing abroad.
Fifth, write as the mentor for your readers. Are you relating your own personal experiences and observations about a foreign culture, and explaining common reasons for misunderstandings? This can be a cool source of ideas, and provide a vital part of intercultural exchange, so that your audience would all benefit from your insights.
Sixth, write as a peer. Are you communicating as if you are placing yourself in the role of observer, documenting this learning process, and reporting on it for other peers interested in doing the same thing? Blog your reflections on practice not just for your professional development, but for a larger professional audience of like-minded peers. Consider yourself as an active researcher-practitioner, where you are involved in action research, identifying successes and challenges, noting down what works and what does not, summarizing others; ideas, identifying key aha moments, and what your considered confusing or frustrating.
