Honest, I'm working on the wiki thing, but I just don't get it. I started one on Ancient Civilizations but it is simply serving as a dumping ground for information that I wish to share with the kids. I'm struggling on this one ...


http://ancientplacesforkids.wikispaces.com/Evidence+of+an+Agricultural+Society

Clearly, I need to spend time on wikis to get it. That is my next focus of study.

Now that I have begun dabbling in the world of blogs and wikis I am more convinced than ever that it is worth the trouble and aggrevation. As I stumble my way up a very steep and winding path of new learning, I know that my efforts are worthwhile.

Right now, I'm wondering about the classroom benefits of wikis versus blogs. I have to say, I'm loving the blogs. I have helped three other teachers in setting them up for their classroom with interesting results. I am struck by the different feel of each blog. One teacher utilizes his blog to share classroom experiences ... kind of like a digital show and tell. Art is scanned, slide shows and movie projects are posted and voice recordings accompany student generated writing. These kids are quickly acquiring expertise with computers, cameras, green screens and an assortment of programs.

Another teacher uses her blog as a vehicle for students to reinforce the classroom experience. Video prompts are used to stimulate thoughtful, intelligent responses from the students which are then used by the teacher in planning for the next day. The depth and breadth of student learning is demonstrated by their thought provoking responses. Student and teacher engagement levels are clearly evident.

My wiki experiences have not been as gratifying ... I've got a long way to go on that one. I figured that I would set one up for a grade 5 class on Ancient Civilizations. Right now, it feels a bit like a glorified textbook. I've added pictures and videos and bits of information, but it doesn't feel right yet. If you know what I mean? I'm thinking it would make sense to have each kid create their own page as a reflection of their own learning through inquiry. They could embed their own videos, pictures and share their information. But then, I'm stuck. I don't know where to go from there? I've heard wikis are more versatile and functional than blogs, but I'm struggling to do more.

I'd love to hear your experiences in the classroom with both wikis and blogs.

What Teachers Make

check out the province of New Brunswick's vision for education

We Are More

For me, one of the many highlights from the Opening Ceremonies was Shane Koyczan's We Are More. I discovered him a few years back when searching for slam poets that I could share with my grade eight students. Koyczan's Beethoven has stuck with me ever since.

Which brings me to another genius of the spoken word, C.R. Avery.

Wheels of Change

Isn't it amazing to consider how slowly the wheels of change are moving inside our schools?

Ian Jukes of the Committed Sardines demonstrates just how slowly.

We are on the brink of a most exciting time of new learning and endless possibilities. Indeed, the rapid development of technology has the power to revolutionize the educational system.

Just think what wonders we can create with the effective use of digital tools in the hands of all of our students. It would be a place where creative thinking and problem solving skills are embraced. It would be a place where collaboration involves the sharing of ideas instantaneously with experts across the world, research projects look like professionally edited documentaries and reading journals are interactive video blogs! Imagine a learning place where microphones and digital cameras are accessed more readily than notebooks and pens.

I'm one little sardine who craves to find a better way and I'm hoping this e-learning experience will help connect me with other sardines.

Diet for Sardines

My interest in Travel in E-Education online learning has to do with me immersing myself in a digital diet of weekly learning. If I am ever to understand the first language of my 21st century learners then I better get busy learning a second language ...

"We already knew that kids learn computer technology more easily than adults, but what we're seeing now is that they don't even need to be taught. It is as if children were waiting all these centuries for someone to invent their native language. "

Jaron Lanier, techno-cultural theorist

Favourite Getaway Spot

My favourite vacation occurs on a daily basis .. a brief hiatus in my mind. An outward expression of serenity masks the whirling kaleidoscope of thoughts, images, music, textures, memories, colours and ideas.