Blogs and WikisUSD 379 Technology Inservice

January 19, 2009

Matt BrenzikoferKelli Hays

What is a blog?✏ A.K.A. - web log✏ A website that is maintained by an

individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

Why use blogs in education?✏ Personal/professional journal✏ Group discussion tool✏ Communication tool between teacher/

student; teacher/parent✏ Student assignment journal or

portfolio

How do I create a blog?

www.blogger.com

www.wordpress.com

What do I put on my blog?✏ Class information, rules, policies, etc.✏ Assignments and due dates✏ Classroom updates (what is going on in

my classrooms)✏ Text, pictures, video, powerpoints,

links, anything you want!

Successful blogs…..✏ Are informative✏ Have a purpose✏ Are updated regularly

What is a Wiki?✏ Wiki wiki = Hawaiian for “quick”✏ Backronym = What I Know Is

✏ Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content

Wikipedia✏ Web encyclopedia in

which people can create and edit content

✏ Comments and criticisms

Why use wikis in education?✏ Encourage collaborative learning and

information sharing✏ Increase student engagement and

participation✏ Facilitate communication between

teachers and parents

How do I create a wiki?

✏ www.wikispaces.com

✏ www.wetpaint.com

Types of Wikis✏ Student Project Wikis✏ Brainstorming ideas✏ Create and edit a rough

draft✏ Collect research and

student notes✏ Share contact

information and job responsibilities

✏ Teacher/Peer Wikis✏ Forum to bounce ideas off

other teachers✏ FAQ - ask questions to

other teachers✏ Share information with

teachers/staff✏ Attach documents to

share with others

Questions and Comments