Blogs and wikis take learning with technology to a different level. A level where the child has some control to share ideas, reflect on learning, and expand knowledge. In the everyday classroom where curriculum piles high and the teacher has to get through it because of the demand for more testing, where do kids get a voice? Blogs and wikis are one answer where kids can talk to each other about what they are learning and share their ideas. Kids are social creatures, they want to tell you stories constantly but for the sake of time, we need to shelve the discussions for a later time.

The great feature about blogs and wikis today is that there is teacher control to see student posts and accept them before they are seen by the rest of the class. This takes care of inappropriate posts and ideas expressed. This is also the perfect time to introduce netiquette and proper use on the web. Students should also have a clear understanding of behavior online and consequences for improper use.

I don’t think that blogs and wikis are for every teacher. I think that the teacher has to see the value of using technology with students to use this tool effectively and appropriately. Some teachers might wonder when they have time to incorporate this into the daily or weekly routine. I say it takes practice and the willingness to learn because students will highly benefit. For example, my mom team teaches third grade in Victor, NY. She and her co-teacher created a wiki and use it for all sorts of information, homework, news podcasts, pictures and more. She told me that the kids and parents LOVE it and they have become better technology users because of it.

http://harperallenteam.pbwiki.com