Websites, blogs, and wikis
We are living in an age where students and parents are engaged daily with internet content. I have discussed some other ways for bringing technology into the classroom, but with websites, blogs, and wiki's you can bring the classroom into the home.
WIKIS
Wiki's are websites that offer collaborative design and input. Basically, if you can read it, you can edit it. A popular, but often black-listed, example is Wikipedia. Users are able to edit and update content in real-time often to the benefit of the site itself. In the classroom, wiki's can take on multiple purposes. One idea is to have students present data of any sort on a wiki. For example, they could research a historical figure and create a wiki about that figure. Since it is collaborative, groups could work on the project from multiple locations and at different times to create an excellent product. Some Wiki creation websites are Wikispaces, Wikidot, and PBworks. For more ideas and tutorials check out Chrisopher Pappas' article How to Use Wiki in the Classroom |
BLOGS
Blogs are often overlooked in classrooms. However, they can be a great outlet for students to create work that will reach a wide audience. Oftentimes, students resent the work they are required to do because it is not authentic and serves no purpose other than to warrant a grade. With blogs, students begin completing assignments knowing that the world will view their final product. Teachers can use blogs to post assignments, classroom updates, and resources. There are many excellent blog websites out in the world such as EduBlog, Kidblog, and WordPress. For tips, tricks and ideas read Christoper Pappas' article How to Use Blogs in the Classroom. |
WEBSITES
The popularity of the classroom website has skyrocketed in the past few years. The benefits of a classroom website are endless. I personally have two websites. The one you are currently viewing is my professional website where I will be posting my own professional documents and ideas. I have also created a website that I would use in an actual classroom. Feel free to explore! Mrs. Konwinski's Classroom The password to enter the student area is Fall2015 |