(ThyBlackMan.com) The growth of blogging has transitioned beyond the basics of text, there are now VBlogging, MicroBlogging, Podcasting and a host of other resources and tools to share diverse and dynamic content. The importance of writing can never be denied because in the areas of education and business writing is crucial to the sharing and disseminating of information. Writing shows the foundation of intelligence and that intellectualism still matters when engaging in discussions, no matter face to face or the integration of digital technologies that allow the distribution of information.
As an instructor teaching Educational Technology, STEAM and Social Media at an HBCU, I have always felt that blogging is a platform to grow intelligence and mentor writing in my students.
The challenge is to get my students to see beyond their sites and expand their digital vision to see the benefits of creating and mastering their digital footprints that lead to exposure, networking opportunities and collaboration that can also lead to employment and the start of careers. Content can make an HBCU student’s ability for employment greater, businesses are looking for new talent that has a passion for challenges and diversity in tech skills. HBCU men and women that can integrate technology with the human element of thought, innovation and creativity have valuable skills. HBCU students need to attend conferences, workshops and seminars to build knowledge. 
Blogging, Microblogging, Podcasting Vblogging can aid in the Marketing and Branding of college and university students especially those that attend HBCU’s. Students need to attend conferences like: Blogging While Brown (the premiere blogging conference for bloggers of color and culture), Florida Blogging and Technology Conference (FLBlogCon educates and empowers bloggers by teaching best practices for blogging), and others that are growing. Education majors need to attend #EdCamps to learn from professional educator’s best practices, policies and procedures of the classroom.
There is even a Florida Writers Conference that provides access to literary influencers and thought leaders. What better way to show the abilities of students that attend Historically Black College and Universities than to be a speaker, contributor to magazines, newspapers and even participate in areas that I enjoy HARO – Help A Reporter Out where you can assist reporters developing stories on local and national issues.
There are many ways to sharpen skills for HBCU students by volunteering and gaining experience that will lead to potentially diverse careers never thought of.
HBCU’s if not already are teaching the intricate dynamics of writing and applying writing to integrating with technology. The growth and influence of blogging can be seen in its infusion in Social Media platforms that are now money makers, business ventures based on diverse content creation. Social Media has a local impact on the events that happen in communities where HBCU students are reporters and content creators that keep communities informed.
The resources online for bloggers are free: platforms, tools, websites all are available to help HBCU students start (which is the hardest part) to create content.
Writing influencers such as Chinua Achebe and Buchi Emecheta have been influential in my blogging because of the passion they have for their native Nigeria and value of education and reading. One of the best influences for HBCU students is to find a blogging/writing mentor, either virtual or in person. It is important to find writers with similar interests and abilities to model and direct passions to create content.
My other mentors are Malcolm X because of his love for learning and passion for his people, Richard Wright for intellectualism, Earnest Gaines, James Baldwin, Carter G. Woodson to name a few. Reading is important because content is based on research and background information that will validate and carry your blog.
Involvement in a community and speaking up is important for HBCU students, what is your passion to blog about to help effect positive and transformational change? HBCU students must understand the ability to blog will assist in creating career options when meshed with technology. Taken from BlackBloggersConnect.com – a leading Social Media Blogging site:
“Social media is the thriving pulse behind the blogosphere. Bloggers and media moguls have expanded their networks, grown their following and reached readers around the world by effectively using social media.”
Blogging, Vblogging, Microblogging, Podcasting, Ebooks are media that allows HBCU students to create change through intellectualism. HBCU students, use and choose your words wisely and apply your passions, you will make an impact in the world and be heard through your Blogging.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.