Wikis

After reading the chapter on wikis, I now understand what they are all about. Prior to reading, I didn't really understand what a wiki was. I knew about wikipedia and actually referenced it often, but I didn't realize that it could be added on and edited by anyone. I am actually pretty impressed!

I can't help but think of ways I can incorporate wikis in my classroom as I read. I am really enjoying this book and the wiki chapter is written in a way that is so practical. I have 160 students, currently, so it might be difficult to maintain a wiki for all students. I thought that in health and PE, we could maintain a class wiki on a particular subject. Students could take notes throughout a unit, and every so often, we could add as a class. Other classes could make additions and edits, and finally, there would be an entire wiki on one unit. Students could use the wiki as a study guide in the end. Does anyone else have ideas for ways to use wikis with large groups of students?

Thoughts on Blogging in the Classroom

After reading the sections on blogging, I have a new perspective! Prior to the reading, I wasn't sure just how I could incorporate blogs into my classroom. I honestly thought it would be a waste of time. Now, after reading, I have come up with a few ideas on how I could make blogging "worth it" for my students. I especially liked the list of classroom uses of weblogs. It provided me with a list of ideas that I wouldn't have thought of on my own.

Being a health teacher, I like to have my students do personal reflections on the various health lessons. Blogging these thoughts gives students a chance to reflect in a different way, and I especially like the fact that other students could comment, and therefore, relate to others. :)

In PE, this could be a great way for students to keep tabs on their fitness. Others could offer advice or new ideas!

I am really looking forward to incorporating blogs in my classroom!