#14 Wikis

This resource excites me, especially as I consider, how this tool could be used on a school's website. It can liven up communications to parents. It can keep children engaged in completing homework...especially if text books could be online as an eBook rather than heavy printed materials. There goes the age old excuse for uncompleted homework assignments..."I left my book in my locker."

As I wandered through the suggested links, it became increasingly clear as to how small the world is getting. Truly, technology allows for World Wide Learning Communities.

I also liked the idea of Wikis used to help students grasp a more effective understanding of what they are studying, by manipulating the materials through application and synthesis (higher order thinking skills) as they create, edit and update Wikis used for classrooms.

I loved the idea that Wikis could be used prior to meetings to help focus the group on what they need to be doing. Agendas can be presented and added to; preliminary discussions can be held prior to the meeting to make for better time use and less sidebar discussions. This alone may be a top time saver for educators overloaded with meetings.

I can see this tool being used to help a grade level plan for a fieldtrip. It would be clever to have past students offer input about the trip, to help current students prepare themselves for it.

One thing that jumps out at me is the fact that we NEED to make sure our websites and technoloy fingers into the community are UP TO DATE!!! It really bothers me for us to spend a lot of time and energy in getting something up and running and then neglect because the newness wears off. I think that neglected sites and links are bad P.R. It's like never weeding the flower beds out by the school's office...it just looks bad. In today's competitive market and attitudes about schools of choice, we need to put our best foot forward and show off our constant commitment to staying in touch with the future and its technology. If we're going to do it....then let's do it right!!!!