To Wiki or Not to Wiki?

What is a wiki / blog? A blog is a web log. It can take the form of an online journal or diary, or it can be discussion-oriented and interactive. Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

Wikis and Blogs… Are administered by a single author Include short entries or postings May link to documents Provide opportunities for response Generally public, but can be set to be accessed with password Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

Still not convinced? Reasons we give… I don’t have time…I’m already overloaded with work. This is just a passing fad. Why should I start using blogs and wikis when they will be obsolete in just a few years? Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

More excuses… I’m afraid of the security issues. I want to keep my students safe. I don’t have the technology skills. (Computers don’t like me.)

Why use wikis/blogs? No special software or skill required Available anywhere, anytime Connects parents and students with teacher and content Students have ownership and access beyond the school setting Safe: Teachers can add password and membership restrictions Extends learning beyond the school day Using technology is FUN! Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

CONS Extra time Tech support is needed Changes teaching style Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

Teacher blogs Content-related blog as a professional practice Example site Networking and knowledge sharing Instructional tips for students Course announcements and readings Annotated links Source: http://awd.cl.uh.edu/blog/

Student blogs Reflective or writing journals Knowledge management Assignment submission and review Dialogue for group work Example site E-portfolios Share resources Source: http://awd.cl.uh.edu/blog/

Reasons to Blog… Authentic learning experiences Motivates and engages students Promotes writing Peer interaction Communication with parents Promotes literacy skills Source: Amber Teamann, Engage and Motivate Your Students with an Educational Blog

“The future ain’t what it used to be.” Yogi Berra “The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein