WIKIs

The word “wiki” comes from the Hawaiian language, and means “quick” or “fast.” Wikis are used to organize and coordinate a group’s input. Anyone who visits the page has access to edit the information in the wiki. All you need to create or edit a wiki is a computer with an Internet connection. When you visit a wiki website, all you need to do to join in is:

• Click Edit
• Edit the existing information, or add new information
• Click Save
  

There is great potential for using wikis in an educational setting. Students would be active participants in the creation, and keeping up of the wiki. They will take their new knowledge and understandings, and post them to the wiki, making a site that keeps track of what they have learned. Some other uses for wikis in schools are:

• Creating and managing a school newspaper
• An e-portfolio to display student work
• Posting homework, course materials, videos, and other resources
• Posting questions for student brainstorming

Some resources I found are:

Wikimedia.org

Wetpaint

Pbwiki.com

Podcasting

I have never used a podcast in my classroom before, so the past two weeks I have learned a great deal. Podcasts are audio or video files used to deliver information to remote audiences via the internet. They can be used to introduce new concepts or reinforce previously taught concepts. Some great resources for podcasts I will use in my classroom are:

Audible.com/
www.usa.gov
masterymaze.com
science.nasa.gov
Librivox
Educational Podcast Network

Podcasts are very valuable tools for educators. Having students listen to or view a different perspective on a concept will help them to better understand that concept. As a teacher, having personally made podcasts available could be a great tool if you are scheduled to be out of the classroom. Students can still have direct instruction without you there. Also, having podcasts available for students to view at home is a great resource, as it can reinfore what was learned in class. Creating podcasts are a great way to publish student work and share it with others.

Web 2.0 Screencast

During the past two weeks of class, we have been searching for Web 2.0 tools to use in our classroom. The Web 2.0 tool I found to be most amazing is VoiceThread. VoiceThread is a collaborative application that can be used in several different ways including:

• Online Presentations
• Sharing pictures
• Conversations about literature

Since I am an English teacher, I would like to share how you can create a literature circle using VoiceThread. Watch the following video to see how to create a conversation about Tuck Everlasting.

• VoiceThread - Create

Now that you have seen how to create a VoiceThread, here is how to participate.

• VoiceThread - Participate

This application is free to use on a limited basis, but can be purchased as well. Ed.voicethread.com requires proof of being a teacher as well as a small fee. Ed.VoiceThread ensures appropriate comments and allows teachers and classes to collaboarate.