CED0535 week 2

We continued to explore blogs, and now Wikis.  I really like Wikis.  What I like about Wikis are many of the same features that you can do in blogs, but I tend to think Wikis look more “professional.”  As we continue to explore it appears blogs and Wikis are very similar.  Maybe the difference really is in how they are used overall.  Something I like about Wikis is the ability to see the history of changes made and work added or created, just like Google Docs.  I see this as a valuable tool.  One thing that I’m still uneasy about with Wikis is that, “accidents” can happen.  Since the user is changing, editing, or adding to a live “document” I’m uneasy about the possibility of students, or even adults for that matter, deleting someone else’s work.  There may be a way to solve this issue that I am unaware of at this time.  Other than that I see Wiki’s being used in various capacities in the educational setting.  Some examples are teachers can use it to collaborate with students or peers;  or Wikis can be created for students as a portfolio of their own work. 

I also started a Twitter account.  Something I NEVER thought I’d ever have, a Twitter Account.  How do you see yourself using it in an academic setting?

CED0535 week 1 Blogging

This week was all about blogging.  Blogging presents so many possibilities both with students and myself as a professional.  Some benefits of blogging are quick and instant assessments.  Students can create work and I as the teacher can respond immediately.  In addition students can assess each other’s work, and work collaboratively.  I think one of the challenges we as educators will face is getting students on board using blogging in a different way.  I know they will like the technology and the tools, but really have you seen the grammar?  The challenge will be getting them to break the “texting” habits on line.  Once we break through that, I believe they will be excited about it.  Then there are parents, the parents will finally see all the work their older children never bring home to show them.

Blogging can be used across the curriculum.  It can be used in younger grades to make sentences, spelling tests, writing projects, daily journal writing, to name just a few.  Older students could use blogging for any type of research project or writing assignment.

As a professional the possibilities are endless.  We can record and share our challenges and successes.  By doing this in a blog, I can have access to it anywhere and anytime.  It’s nice to look back and see how much you’ve grown.  In addition, by blogging others can provide feedback.  We can share resources and collaborate online.  I am currently in the process of creating a classroom website.  It takes some time to create, but once it’s done it will be nice to have.