What is a “bluestocking”?

A bluestocking was an intellectual, well-read woman in the 18th century, who refused to sit embroidering or playing cards while men conversed on literary and social topics.  They wanted to join the conversation.  The term “bluestocking” comes from the fact that they wore blue worsted wool stockings instead of the black silk stocking lady socialites wore.

I consider myself a “digital” bluestocking because I am an omnivorous reader of 60+ different  blogs (though until now primarily as a lurker) and am constantly reflecting on how I can improve my teaching through technology or other means.  I want to join the conversation so I can model that essential 21st century skill for my students and for teachers who are hesitant to join the conversation because they don’t know enough about technology.