How wikis can be an effective learning tool

Hi all,

Here is the link to my very first wiki page,
laurenparke84@wetpaint.com
Please feel free to jump on and add any comments.

"Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has a simple text syntax for creating new pages and cross links between internal pages on the fly." (What is Wiki? 2002)
Wiki is an online tool that is used to create a links between people and their ideas. It can be used instead of emails so all information can be collaborated and all members are able to log on and contribute.

I have recently set up my own wiki page asking for ideas to keep students engaged in learning. I found the setup process simple to follow and can now see how it can be an effective tool in the classroom. It is said that email is one of the most important collaborative tools and it usually serves as the communication backbone for all activities. By using web conference boards or chat programs students are able to collaborate and share their results (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999). Students are able to communicate with other group members by creating new ideas and changing already posted ideas regarding activities and assignments at school. When reading about Wikis and incorporating them in to students learning I was worried about the security. Through creating my own Wiki I have realised that in the setup process you can nominate who can log on to your Wiki site.

As this resource can be monitored by the teacher and parents, Wikis can become a very useful tool when students are working in collaborative environments. It will keep students engaged as it is a new way of keeping in contact with group members. I will be using this resource in my classroom as I can see how effective it will be.

References:
What is Wiki? 2002 viewed on 29 July 2009 http://wiki.org/wiki.cgi?WhatIsWiki
Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory:. Retrieved July 10, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Really Simple Syndication

Hi all,

Wow I never knew a site like that actually existed.

I have found after investigating google reader and Really Simple Syndication that it is a fast easy way to acquire information. "RSS (really Simple Syndication) is a format for delivering regularly changing web content. Many news-related sites, weblogs and other online publishers syndicate their content as an RSS Feed to whoever wants it."(What is RSS? RSS explained, 2009) There are several reasons why RSS is beneficial to internet users. "RSS solves a problem for people who regularly use the web. It allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in. You save time by not needing to visit each site individually. You ensure your privacy, by not needing to join each site's email newsletter."

I found google reader quite easy to use and i am confident students would be able to use this tool to assist them with assignments. If students were to work in a group activity they would be able to add their peers blog addresses and keep in contact and provide new ideas for the activity. By doing this the teacher is also able to monitor the students progress and make sure there is no bullying going on.

I think using this tool in the class room would keep the students engaged and provide a way for students to keep in contact outside of school therefore being able to work on the activities outside school.

what is RSS? RSS explained, viewed on 29 July 2009 http://www.whatisrss.com/

Hi everyone

Well here goes,

This is my first blog so I will start by telling you a bit about myself. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Learning Management - Primary at Central Queensland University at CQU since 2008. I finish my degree in 2010 and I am excited to be out in the classroom putting what I have learnt into practice. As I have been out of school for 8 years I have found participating in this course will improve my technology skills so I am able to provide my students with the best learning environment possible. I look forward to the journey ahead and to learn more about the amazing world of technology.

Talk soon,