Goal 1:. To promote student reflection using collaborative tools.
After trying out blogging with my students I have realized that I want to use a tool that has more capabilities for collaboration. Kidblog.org is a useful tool and seems to be a great way to introduce students to the concept of collaboration, but it is somewhat limiting. I can see that other tools such as a wiki offer more flexibility for sharing and collaborating.
Goal 2. To Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make use of emerging tools and resources that support student learning.
I can see how useful a wiki is in creating opportunities for students to collaborate in a Project Based Learning environment. I will continue to explore how to incorporate a wiki into my teaching.
I have learned that incorporating technology takes time when working with elementary aged students. There are skills that need to be taught and changes need to be made as their understanding progresses. I will make adjustments to my GAME plan by incorporating tools that will better meet the needs of my students and their learning goals.
I can understand that trying to find age-appropriate resources is difficult at times. My 7th graders have found wikispaces.com very easy to use and enjoyed the format.
ReplyDeleteHaving secured wiki spaces for my students has made it easier in many ways to do classwork. The neat thing about using a wiki is that you can have discussions going on pages that everyone can access and then individual work on secured pages.
ReplyDeleteI think a wiki will simplify things for me and my students by having everything in one place. I can see using it for a variety of things. I'm looking forward to figuring out just what those "things" are!
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie,
ReplyDeleteYes, so true--It can be challenging to find the right balance between ease of use and value and capablility of features. Some very simple to use applications may limit what can be done using them.
On the other hand, some applications may be very expansive but students can learn just a few of the features to use the application effectively. For example, PowerPoint can be used by fairly young children if all they do is create a slide, and use the drawing tools.
I think this can also be true for wikis and blogs.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Susan
One of my goals was to incorporate blogging...what was your concern with your class?
ReplyDeleteWas the concept too difficult for your students? I teach third graders and thought this MIGHT be an activity that would be beneficial for them.
I am struggling a bit with wikis but so many have mentioned how beneficial they are, so I will keep trying to undertand how they continue to work.
My students did really well with blogging after lots of practice, especially with how to write thoughtful responses, but the site I was using was very limited. My plan is to try a wiki so we can post pictures and links and have more flexibility and everything in one place. Good luck to you!
ReplyDelete