Australian Council for
Computers in Education
Soul Food Cafe
(15 votes)
Heather Blakey is a creative writer and technology evangelist. Through 'Soul Food Cafe' we see only a part of her talent as an educator and her ability to bring others along on her journey. Through her blog and professional development activities, Heather supports and encourages the creativity in all learners.
Wear it on your sleeve!
We've got a range of web badges you can put on your website, blog or facebook page to let people know you're coming. Just download the pic, upload to your site, and link back to us here at http://acec2010.info
Sponsors
Who's Coming?
Comments
Heather was my great mentor three years ago and started me and my students on an amazing journey of blogging which has taken us to nearly every corner of the world. We used the portal that she helped establish -globalstudent/globalteacher. Heather's connections and contacts gave me and my students an authentic global audience and therefore, a motivation for writing. Thank you Heather, you have helped me revolutionise my classrooms and eventually our school. Thank you!
Anne Mirtschin
Hawkesdale P12 College
http://murcha.wordpress.com
http://murch.globalteacher.org.au
twitter id = murcha
Finding Soul Food Cafe has been one of the most important things that has happened to my writing life. I have received so much support and have learned so much about writing, creativity, blogging, and forming relationships with others in a virtual community. If I am ever lacking in inspiration,ideas, or confidence all I have to do is visit Soul Food. For that, I am eternally grateful!
I have found Heather Blakey's creativity prompts inspirational. I joined the group about a year ago. Since then I have learned how to set up a blog. My writing skills have developed and I have began experimenting with digital imagery.
My confidence in all these areas has grown as I have found Soul Food to be supportive and stimulating.
I have been with Soul Food from the beginning and it has changed my life. Heather knows how to draw out ones creativity and expand their horizons.
Vi
Heather Blakey has created an incredible and wonderful resource for all to use. I joined Soul Food Cafe just over two years ago now and have not looked back. I have learned so much and been encouraged and supported every step of the way. All those out there who have never visited I would urge you to do so.
I first discovered Soul Food Cafe over 4 years ago while searching for another site with a similar name. I clicked on the link and was immediately transported to a wonderous and magical realm where writing and art are actively encouraged as a daily pursuit. To be involved with this amazing internet resource is to open one's self up to a world of creativity which lies on the pages of Soul Food Cafe and which soon becomes echoed in your soul. Heather Blakey is to be applauded for her ongoing support of the arts and creativity. It is high time that her trojan work in this field be finally recognized and acknowledged.
I discovered The Soul Food Cafe in April 2006 while searching for online writing prompts. Using the vast array of resources and interactive tools associated with the site, I have seen my creative life transform in ways I never thought possible. And more than anything else, I am amazed at how Heather Blakey has brought together creatives from all over the world -- Australia, North America, Europe and beyond. I am honored to be a part of such a global enterprise.
Thank you, Heather.
Lori
from California
Soul Food Cafe is a brilliant resource which I have been an active part of for the past five years. It is a multi-faceted learning site on many levels, and is hugely beneficial. The people who participate there are an amazing, globally-oriented group, who create and interact in a "positive outcome" learning environment every day. Thanks Heather for creating such a valuable site! So many people have benefited from the huge amount of learning stimulus at Soul Food Cafe, which is constantly striving to meet the changing needs of the new web technology. Fantastic!
Over five years ago I found the Soul Food
Cafe by accident- I was actually looking for a Resturaunt's address ( on-line here in Washington State) by the same name.
Since that chance meeting I have completed over 100 short stories, my blogs- which is where I feature my writing have taken over 200,00 hits
The idea of the Cafe could be duplicated, but the life Heather has put into it cannot be. Her's is truly a one of a kind and unique learning enviorment.
Heather Blakey is a teacher with an awesomely diverse set of skills. She has been my creative teacher for ten years now and still has fresh lessons to teach me. When I look back at the work I did ten, five, even three years ago and compare it to what I can produce today I am stunned by the progress. My body of work would not be what it is if it were not for the creative guidance of Heather Blakey. The fact that I am on the other side of the planet is not one whit of a hindrance because of her dedication to online communication skills. I'm a ten minute walk away from one of the premiere universities in Canada, but it doesn't have a Heather Blakey in it for all its other wonderful Arts, English, and Literature programs. I am happy to stay in tune with Australia to get the best that is offered.
Stephanie Hansen
Thank you for the nomination. I am delighted to be included in this list. Soul Food has been a twelve year labor of love and has grown enormously as features celebrating the work of community members have been added. Despite being created over three years ago the Wild Garden
http://www.dailywriting.net/Wild%20Gardeners%20eLearning/Advent2007.html
remains a feature I recommend to those who are discovering the potentiality of the internet.
In 2005 I was invited to create Global Teacher and Global Student which now houses thousands of teacher and student blogs. Make sure to check out the journey of building this resource
http://heatherblakey.globalteacher.org.au/
and do take the time to visit the blogs of the inspired teachers and students who have engaged.
The concept of Soul Food Cafe is innovative and brilliant. There is a wide variety of places to visit for inspiration and support. I have been a member of Soul Food Cafe for over a year now and am amazed at the immense growth I've experienced as a writer, artist, and blogger. I have found the support, encouragement, and inspiration necessary for me to embark on on many artistic journeys. I have benefited from the wisdom of other Soul Food Cafe participants as well. Heather Blakey has donated thousands of hours over the years since inception. I would love to see this unique educational method spread throughout the United States and beyond. I would never have followed my bliss without Heather, Soul Food Cafe, and my fellow Soul Food Cafe bloggers!
Thanks so much for your support and words of affirmation Sally. You, along with others, are as much responsible for the wonderfully supportive community within the walls of Soul Food.