1. To Wiki or Not to Wiki?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.)

6. 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

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

8. 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:

9. Student blogs Reflective or writing journals Knowledge management
Assignment submission and review
Dialogue for group work
Example site
E-portfolios
Share resources
Source:

10. 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

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