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.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
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.
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.
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