Class Survey-Week 6

Test Survey

Using wikis in the class-week 5

I was beyond amazed with all that can be done with Wikis after checking several educational wiki sites.  The ones that I looked at were created by second grade teachers and were very inspiring to someone, like myself, who wouldn’t know what to do with a class wiki.  I could now see how creating a class wiki could do wonders for the students and parents and especially teachers. 

I would like to include hyperlinks of my students work samples.  I think that students would love the idea that they can click on their name and see all their hard work pop up on the internet.  I think it would help them with work ownership and make them strive to do better with each project.  Creating student portfolio links would be one of my first tasks.  When I saw this on the wikis, I felt proud of each of those students and the teachers as well.  What a great way to show progress and growth for each student.  This would be a very beneficial educational tool because you can show students what they have learned and accomplished throughout the year.  Plus, their next year’s teacher would be able to click and view where the students are. 

            Another aspect I would introduce in my own wiki is uploading class videos.  This would be a great reflection tool for any teacher.  You would know how the lesson went and what you can do to make it better.  You can basically critique yourself.  Also, parents, community members, and other teachers could see what your class is learning.  These videos could also serve as reviews for your students. Let’s just say that your class is having a big unit test and you don’t have long to review.  All you have to do is play past videos to touch back on key concepts. 

            I was really inspired to create a class wiki.  I know it will take some time and lots of learning but seeing the benefits is priceless.  The end product is worth it. 

Using Blogs in the Class

After learning more about blogging in class, I now feel so comfortable introducing it to my students.  I’ve been talking with my CT at the school and he is so excited that I want to be a risk-taker and give it a go.  I am currently the 3^rd grade GT teacher this year and we do not have a GT pullout program so I was thinking to try it out with this small group first.   One of the things I would like to do is have this group create an educational blog of the various activities they will be doing over the year.  I would have them learn a new aspect of blogging each month such as posting a blog, adding videos, recording videos, etc.   They would be totally in charge of their blog, including design and everything.   I would also, post a problem-based learning blog and have them post on the overall experience.  For example, I would ask them to figure out our school’s demographics and see how their educational journey took place through the blogs.  If I didn’t have an activity then I would post brainteaser type posts or just reflection blogs.   If this whole experience works out then I would try with my whole class.  I’m not 100% comfortable with technology yet so I would have to do baby steps with it.