WIKIS

It is very interesting to learn the definition of wiki (quick), but not as much as learning the purpose, which is to “store the sum of human knowledge” (pg 55).  Now, in my mind, I just could not fathom the idea of storing human knowledge in one location.  Wiki is an interesting chapter, which offered a wealth of valuable information for educators and students alike.  Prior to enrolling in this class, I had no idea of wiki’s existence.

 However, I must admit that there are many advantages afforded to the user of this program.  Advantages of wiki include:   having instantaneous access to changes; offers the ability to connect with people from all over the world; many scholars refer to wiki in their researches; teaches critical-thinking skills, and there is a wiki application for any request.    Wiki also allows users to add and edit information already in the system, which I had an opportunity to experience first-hand in class on Tuesday.  Lastly, I’d like to add that when working on our reaction project the other day, I was able to enter our subjects name into the system, and locate information that was not provided in the Britannica resource.  Unfortunately, opportunities on that site were antiquated and inaccessible.  Now, I believe I have just been introduced to my new best friend.    : - )

My Eyes

 

My eyes have seen the glory that one day will no longer be;

My heart can bear the pain, but my eyes can barely see.

My feet are slowly walking,

and my voice trembles while talking.

God’s grace shall lead me home.

 

by Sandra Perry-Selby

God’s Grace (My Eyes) @ 1996

Will Richardson’s Second Edition of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms addressed the rise of technology in the 21st Centry.  It also makes reference to the teacher’s and student’s ability to incorporate technology into the classroom.  Tim Berner’s Lees’ vision for the world wide web at the time consisted of creating a collaborative tool for people to read and write messages to one another.  With the rapid change, I would agree that it worked. 

An interesting point raised in the book was how students operate technology at a much more advanced rate that many of their teachers.  A major behavior concern in schools today is the students’ inappropriate use of technology during school hours.  Iphones, Ipods, cell-phones, and pulling up illegal sites accompany many of the written referrals.  Students have the ability to access the internet on their cell-phones.  Ironically, many of the calls received on their phones during school hours are by the students’ parent(s).  Somehow both the parent and the student view such call as justifiable, which then leads to other concerns.  However, when used at appropriate times, the computer offers various useful tools.