Mapping and Resolutions for 2009

I added a ClustrMap to this blog in September just because it looked cool. I enjoy looking at the ClustrMaps on other blogs just to see where readers come from. It's kind of neat to look at a list of visitors to this blog and see where people are coming from. Who would have thought that someone in Israel or China or South Africa would ever see this blog? Admittedly, the readership isn't large, but it certainly is an interesting start.

In thinking about my own blog reading, another resolution that I have for the year is to actively look for international education perspectives. Taking into account other points of view can only help strengthen my teaching practice.

Any suggestions for must-read education blogs from countries other than the United States?

Day 2 of Blogger Challenge: Site Statistics

Day 2 of the Be a Better Blogger Challenge asks us to start thinking about site stats. This is a good idea as we never know when we might need them. I started this blog as a result of my participation in the Google Teacher Academy last June. Part of my responsibility as a Google Certified Teacher is to get the word out about Google Tools for the classroom and other Web 2.0 tools. I decided that one way I could do that is through a blog. CGTs do periodically report on what they are doing, so having site statistics could be useful.

As recommended by Steve Dembo, I signed up for a free account at Site Meter to track visitors to my site. I had previously been using ClustrMaps, but it doesn't give detailed information. I have been able to see that my blog has had 101 hits since September 1, 2008, but I think many of those are me. I can also see where my visitors are on the map which is pretty exciting since I've had visitors from five continents!

One of the things I do like about Site Meter is the detailed reports I can get even with a free account. I can even exclude my own computer from stats. I am looking forward to see who is visiting this little blog and where they are coming from.