Week 3 – Using blogs, wikis and websites in the classroom

Week 3 – Using blogs, wikis and websites in the classroom

Week 3 sees the introducing of the first group of digital; tools, blogs, wikis and websites.

After I reflect on each tool, I will examine each tool separately using PMI (plus, minus, interesting) as scaffolding to ensure I think critically on the possible uses of tool within the classroom environment. Check out my ideas using by taking a look at my slides using Slide Share http://www.slideshare.net/.

First up, BLOGS…

Blog from NicoleJRyan
 

Plus	Minus	Interesting
v  A chance for students to use higher order thinking skills v  Can use images, links, videos to create individual learning v  Can cater to all learning styles through blogs v  Teacher can monitor blogs for students understanding of the subject v  Highlights areas that need to be worked on as a class v  Information can be stored for students to access at any time v  Blogs can be accessed from any device connected to internet v  Creates a social online learning environment v  Catering to 21st century learner and preparing them for lifelong learning	v  Depends on how involved the students are on their own blog to measure the success v  Online safety and monitoring the use of blogs v  Logistics of computer access both at school and at home v  Students and/or teachers lack of ICTs skills may be lacking which would affect the process v  Students not using the blog as it is intended	v  How different Blogger and Word Press are v  Limited only by the student or teachers imagination v  The quality of the pluses appear too far outweigh the minuses v  Could be used as a whole group reflective activity or utilised for struggling individuals

 

Next up WIKIs…
after the reading the slides below, check out my wiki http://rainforesttoreef10.wikispaces.com/ 

Wikispaces from NicoleJRyan

 

Plus	Minus	Interesting
v  A chance for students to use higher order thinking skills v  Collaborative learning v  Can use images, links, videos to create individual learning v  Learning can happen both in and out of the classroom v  Teacher can monitor Wikis for students understanding of the subject v  Highlights areas that need to be worked on as a class v  Information can be stored for students to access at any time v  Wikis can be accessed from any device connected to internet v  Catering to 21st century learner and preparing them for lifelong learning	v  The ability to edit other people’s work may lead to unproductive and irresponsible behaviour v  Only one student to edit Wiki at one time v  Logistics of computer access both at school and at home v  Students and/or teachers lack of ICTs skills may be lacking which would affect the process	v  Best used for specific one off topics or activities v  Limited only by the student or teachers imagination v  The quality of the pluses appear too far outweigh the minuses

Finally Websites,

Websites from NicoleJRyan
 

Plus	Minus	Interesting
v  A chance for teaching flipped learning (see you tube clip in my post Week 2 - reflecting on  using Wiki's and DeBono's thinking hats) v  Can use images, links, videos to cater to different learners v  Learning can happen both in and out of the classroom v  Information can be stored for students to access at any time v  Wikis can be accessed from any device connected to internet v  Catering to 21st century learner and preparing them for lifelong learning	v  Learners cannot contribute to the website therefor creating a technological textbook of sorts v  Logistics of computer access both at school and at home v  Students and/or teachers lack of ICTs skills may be lacking which would affect the process v  Can take a lot of time to set up an effective website	v  Best used to deliver information that does not need to be questioned by learnt as fact v  Limited only by the student or teachers imagination v  The quality of the pluses appear too far outweigh the minuses

A lot to take in I know! So many practical ways this group of Web Tools can be utilised in the classroom all with very similar pluses, minuses and interesting, however each should be applied in different learning situations. I believe that these three tools are going to play a large role in teaching to 21^st century learners so even if we are a little daunted at times it is important to press on for the greater good of effective and engaging teaching!

 

Thanks for reading,

Nicole.

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Image Acknowledgement:

Diver: pin girl diving on pintrest, http://www.picstopin.com

Blog quote: how to find your authentic blog voice, http://www.littlecottagebiglife.com

Innovations ahead: innovation ahead sign royality free, http://www.dreamstime.com

Grow quote: advanced technology investment co., http://www.facebook.com