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?
I agree with you on Wiki's. I think that Wiki's are more professional and give the students a better collaboration tool. They can see everyone's work, comments, and access it all at once. I would prefer to make a Wiki over a blog for my students. Also, I think there is a way in a Wiki to undo when someone makes a mistake. I remember reading about it either in the text or the articles. Look into that and know that there is an option to undo a mistake. :)
ReplyDeleteWe both are having a first this week – starting twitter accounts. I also have no idea how I will be using them in the classroom. If you find anything great- please pass it forward. You are right when you talked about the nervousness with using wikis in the classroom. I don’t like the fact that anyone can edit, thus making mistakes happen more often. Many of my students just start clicking buttons on the computer without even reading or knowing what happened, so if they edit and save after deleting important information – it may get a little confusing. I would love for the students to be able to add information without being able to delete other people’s work. Maybe this will be something that we learn along the way!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is risky to use a wiki, in that students can delete others' work. I am curious also if there is a way to prevent it from happening. If you find out, feel free to share. As far as Twitter, I am also struggling with how to use it in my classroom. We have Twitter blocked for students and some students don't have internet access outside of school. I find it a difficult tool to implement in a classroom that isn't a college level class or beyond.
ReplyDeleteWikis can keep a history and you can revert back to earlier versions (dependent on the Wiki provider). Their power (I believe) is their collaborative nature. What would you do with collaboration?
ReplyDelete