(ThyBlackMan.com) The growth of blogging has transformed beyond the basics of text, there is now Video Blogging, MicroBlogging, Podcasting and a host of other platforms and tools to share diverse and dynamic content. The importance of writing can never be understated because in the areas of business and even commerce, writing is crucial to the sharing and disseminating of information.
Writing shows the foundation of intelligence and that intellectualism still matters. HBCUs where founded to encourage thinking, reasoning, understanding collaboration and the building of innovators that grow as the world grows.
As an instructor teaching Educational Technology and Social Media at Edward Waters College, I have seen how blogging allows students to enhance their thinking and reasoning. The challenge is to get students to see beyond their writing limitations and expand their digital vision to see the benefits of creating their digital footprints 
that lead to exposure, networking opportunities and collaboration that can lead to employment and the start of careers never thought of.
Businesses are looking for young talent that have a passion for challenges and can work in diverse environments; HBCU students that can integrate technology with the human element of thought, creativity and innovation have valuable skills that they can market.
Blogging, Microblogging, Podcasting Vblogging can aid in the Marketing and Branding of HBCU students especially those that have the skills to give them an edge.
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 in diverse areas of tech for blogging), NicheParent 14 Conference (for digital influencers and bloggers) and Florida Blogging Conference for Educators where I was honored to present to educators and students on the engagement of Social Media.
WordPress / WordCamp conferences where developers, programmers, users and hosting services come together. Educators are not left out, there are EdCamps of all types nationally, a grassroots opportunity for teachers to share with educator professional development in a new way.
HBCUs across the nation 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 content creation. The resources online for bloggers are free and even promote entrepreneurialism.
There are many writing influencers for me and I encourage my students to find writers that they can connect to, 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. Reading is important because content is based on research and background information that will validate and carry your blog.
Buchi Emecheta
“I believe it is important to speak to your readers in person… to enable people to have a whole picture of me; I have to both write and speak. I view my role as writer and also as oral communicator.”
These are strong words that can be applied to bloggers attending HBCUs. Students must understand the ability to blog will assist in creating career options and opportunities meshed with technology.
Taken from BlackBloggersConnect.com
“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 allow HBCU students to create change through intellectualism and developing themselves as a thought leader and influencer. This benefit those in ways they don’t even realize until they are involved in their careers and meet those that connect with them digitally.
Choose your words wisely and apply your passion, you will make an impact in the world and be heard. Tell your own story and do not allow others to speak your words.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson & Joshua Rodriguez & Jon Gregory.
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
