Chapter 8 Communicating and networking with websites, blogs, wikis, and more Amanda Hnat November 7, 2012

Overview Introduction Communicating Electronically and Instant Messaging Websites and Blogs Wikis Wrap-Up

Introduction

Learning goal Using communication technologies to enhance learning through interactive information exchanges and networking Examples of communication technologies: and IM Teacher/classroom websites Blogs Online discussions Wikis Before poll: Which one do you think you will use most as a teacher?

Communicating Electronically

Types of Electronic Communication Synchronous communication Occurs in real time; similar to face-to-face communication Examples? Asynchronous communication Involves a time delay; similar to snail mail Examples?

Social Networking for Educators Social networking 96% of kids ages 9-17 use social networking Educational networking Teachers can use social networking for educational purposes: Discussions about curriculum and instruction Book groups Connecting to national educational policy and reform organizations Exchanging information on educational research Group editing of projects and writing Ning – allows you to create your own social network

Electronic Communication in Teaching Five major ways teachers can use electronic communication inside and outside the classroom: 1.Teaching interactively – post class notes, inquiry questions, homework assignments, writing ideas, links for research, etc. 2.Sharing information – provide information for parents (grading policies, upcoming activities, etc.) 3.Building learning communities – students can read others’ writing and respond by posting comments 4.Publishing student work – display students’ products, performances, and publications 5.Energizing student writing – students may be more motivated to write when it is via electronic means

and Instant Messaging (IM)

Strategies for Using and IM Use password-protected student communication systems to and IM Schools often provide password- protected spaces for teacher, student, and school communication. Use and IM to teach about spelling Position paper, “Beliefs about Technology and the Preparation of English Teachers”: beliefsontechnology beliefsontechnology Establish connections to libraries, museums, and universities Ask an Earth Scientist: K/ K/ Hold online office hours Regular times when teachers answer student questions and discuss assignments electronically Initiate correspondence with elected officials

Websites and Blogs

Websites Teacher websites highlight professional accomplishments Classroom websites devoted to student work and activities Example: /Applebee/t.aspx /Applebee/t.aspx Both types of websites utilize more formal tone Blogs Serve as an online journal where teachers post information and ideas Can be used for online interactions between teacher and students or other teachers Example: /article/top-20-teacher-blogs /article/top-20-teacher-blogs More personal and informal Types of Sites Teachers Can Build

Tech Tool 8.1 – Blog Building Approach 1: Website and blog building software($$) Commercial software programs Examples: Dreamweaver, FrontPage Approach 2: Commercially available template($$) Ready-made publication portal Password protected Examples: TaskStream, GoDaddy, eBlogger Approach 3: Open source software (free) Easy to use Not password protected Examples: Moodle, Blogger, Edmodo

Creating a Teacher Blog Three types of education related blogs 1.“Official face” blogs – formal information centers for schools 2.Single purpose blogs – address one subject area within a school (science, ESL, art) 3.Active learning blogs – involve students and teachers in conversations around parts of the curriculum Did you know.... That a new blog is created somewhere in the world every second?

Creating a Teacher Blog Design considerations for meeting your communication goals: Content posting – how much and how often new content is posted Reader response – how students will respond to online material, and how you will respond to student comments Audience – whether access to site is limited to a small group or extended to anyone who is online Authorship - who may create content; single author or multiple authors Criteria for analyzing teacher-made websites and blogs Page 224 in textbook

Creating a Teacher Blog Strategies for incorporating reader response on your blog: Focus on issues relevant to students Stress importance of active, thoughtful participation Emphasize rapid vs. delayed feedback Establish clear rules for online conduct Respond directly, but tactfully Develop an online reading response form for your students Page 227 in textbook

For Teacher Blogs Argument: It is important to understand firsthand how this technology affects students’ lives and patterns of communication. Against Teacher Blogs Argument: Blogs are inappropriately displacing paper-based communication; teachers shouldn’t encourage students to rely on electronic mediums. Your Opinions about Blogs...

Wikis

What is a Wiki? A wiki is a website or blogspace that is collaboratively edited and maintained by a group of people. Examples of wikis: Wikipedia WikiTravel Wiktionary Wikihow Wikibooks What kinds of wikis have you used?

Using Wikis in Schools Wikis allow teachers and students to: Use technology in meaningful ways in the classroom Collaborate with peers and colleagues Synthesize and explain content they’re learning through writing and different forms of multimedia Publish their writing and other creative or scientific work Receive feedback about learning inside and outside the classroom

Educational Wiki Projects Collaborative learning environments Students work together on different parts of a problem, discovering key concepts for themselves Everyone can see what has been contributed or changed Teacher supports student interaction Standards wiki Teachers can create a collection of academic information and class notes related to specific curriculum framework (page 229) Wikitexts Students can create a collection of electronic resources Used for reviewing important content without having to reread large amounts of information More user-friendly and specific than traditional textbooks

Creating a Wiki Creating a wiki is fast, easy, and typically free. Sites to try: Pbworks - Wikispaces - TiddlyWiki -

Strategies for Using Wikis Group processes Wiki projects can be done in small groups or individually. Nature of the wikitext Teachers must decide whether to keep the same wikitext from year or year or ask each new group of students to create a new version. Inappropriate or plagiarized material Teachers must state clear rules about what to post and must carefully monitor and edit online content. It is possible to lock certain pages so that only teacher can change them or control what is made public. Grades for students Use a rubric so students know what is expected.

Wrap-Up

Time to Explore Classroom 2.0 – social networking site for educators Edweek – teacher blogs and forums Learning.now – blog exploring how Internet culture influences education Edmodo – free blogging tool Curriki – learning resources Find anything interesting?

After Poll Now, which communication technology do you think you will use most as a teacher? How will you use it?

It’s Over!