Display Names

Display names are the self-chosen words to identify one's self as the blog author. The Muffin Man is the moniker for a blogger exploring allergies in relation to food. It was chosen because it refers to the topic because it includes gluten and for the sound of as it is spoken. [Could the song have anything to do with it?]

Kitchen Guy is writing a blog about kitchen appliances, so his display name was another natural fit especially because all the appliances he is investigating are within the realm of kitchens.

Penelope Trunk says to forego the anonymous display name. She lists several reasons for using a real name, a couple having to do with career and networking. Why should a person be ashamed of what is being written...unless they should **gasp!**  In the case of the above bloggers, students using technology to journal the the process of their research should stand behind a false front, if only to have the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and become tech savvy. They are being guided and will eventually delete their blogs as tools of growth. In the meantime, they are learning within the school's domain.

Building Confidence
Photo: Copyright 2016 by Photobucket

In  an article from the Sweetland Center for Writing at the University of Michigan, blogging not only improves writing skills but encourages writing confidence among youngsters. Blogs also helps students develop a sense of audience and ownership. Eventually the body of knowledge that accumulates shows the work in progress and the path work took from point A to the final destination.