The canopy is used as a metaphor for blogging within one conception of holistic lifelong learning models. The use of the tree is a common symbol among aboriginal peoples. Surrounding the trees and intermingled among them are the presence of nuturing guides, such as counsellors and mentors, as well as parents, teachers, and Elders.

If students were aware of the different elements of way-making in advance, would they in fact begin to blog differently, with a clearer focus, with more motivation to be looking forward in order to look back?

JoAnn: I think templates might actually be developed to encourage students -- with different granular or level needs -- would help student build confidence about blogging on various kinds of blogs, i.e. blogs that serve different purposes.

Glenn: I see a growing a number of different genres emerging within the Landing. Giving permission to community participants to experiments and be more openly creative will help build the online community, so that it is not limited mainly to the course-based interactions. 

Would students' blogging activities become richer if they were encouraged to address themselves in various ways, and leave more "breadcrumbs", such as context clues, more details, anticipating that they will be engaging in self-reflection on these current posts at some future date?

Jo Ann: I think encouraging bold assertiveness -- vs hiding under the bushels. Leaving breadcrumbs, let alone gems, takes courage and skill building -- everyone needs to feel confident to make mistakes -- be present to where one is at -- be compassionate to self and others -- bloggers with an explorer's heart.

Glenn: For one blogger, the need for solitude and a resting space for quiet reflection; for another, the chance to follow at a distance the musings of others. (I scratch my head in awe and wonder at the exchange of blog posts about zombies and the political economy of precarity. Cool stuff!) For others, a chance to shine, to create, to express themselves, mingling their personal blogs in with their academic blogging presence here on the Landing.

Would a blogging roadmap encourage students to engage in blogging more systematically, enabling them to post knowing that a year (or several years) from now  they would need to tap into their own private archive?

JoAnn: Roadmapping -- trees -- flowers -- what is the student's need for conceptualizing metaphors -- roadmaps, trees, flowers (UN strategic plan about knowledge distribution video mentions trees/flowers)

Glenn: I think the use of the flowers as a metaphor for knowledge is effective.