Welcome to the group summary process. For these assignments during our class we are using a blog (in this case, WordPress software).

There are several reasons why I chose to use blogging software as a mechanism by which we will share what we are learning in small groups. The first, and most important to me personally, is that it makes our learning public and accessible. I have tried to place all of my own learning designs and input presentations for this class out in the open on the web, so that anyone who wants to learn with me is invited to do so. It’s a little bit more difficult, however, to share the internal processes of a class. We are using MyLutherNet for much of the core work of this class: the small group collaboration that is at the heart of this learning design. Using MyLutherNet means that we can retain confidentiality in the process, and gives you room to “try out” ideas in a safer and smaller space.

The second reason for using a blog is that it will give you some practice in writing a blog. Many churches are using blogs as an addition, or even as an alternative, to traditional newsletters. Many pastoral leaders are using blogs as a means by which to stay in contact with their congregations and other people in the wider community.

My partner, Eric, and I have created some basic tutorials to walk you through the process of using this software. There are tutorials on posting to a blog, adding links to a blog post, and commenting on a blog.