Lawlor, J. (2010). Let the kids do the work. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/Let_the_Kids_Do_the_Work.htm doi: ISSN 1082-5754
This article discussed integrating wikis and the world of online communication into the English classroom. The author explains that while getting students involved in classroom discussions and assignments used to seem like pulling teeth, since he started a wiki, the students eagerly reply and take the time to both critique and teach their fellow students. One of the major benefits of the wiki is that students are able to coach their fellow students about assignments before they turn them into the teacher. Also, wikis enable students to go above and beyond the necessary classroom assignments. For example, Lawlor explained that one of his students realized that a few pages of the homework were missing from the wiki, so he/she formatted the wiki so that other classmates could do the assignment. Lawlor also said that students who were shy and reluctant to participate in class found themselves at home and eager to respond online.
1) How does creating homework assignments that involve the use of online tools work for students who don’t have computers?
I would assume that these students would explain their situation to the teacher after class, and he/she could adjust accordingly. Either the professor could make a written exception for these students or provide a bit of time for all students to go to computer labs or libraries in school in order to do the online portion of the assignment.
2) What exactly is a wiki? Is it like a blog?
Online, it explained that a wiki is a website that allows individuals to create and edit a number of shared webpages. It often functions in a community or network. To me, this sounds similar to a blog, and I could definitely see how using this in class could be interesting due to its interactivity. At first, I didn’t really want a blog, but I did enjoy reading my classmates comments on my blog and responding to theirs. I could see where students would enjoy communication on a wiki more than just a class discussion. But is there anything that separates a wiki from a blog? What makes a wiki unique? I am hoping to find out more about wikis in week three.
This article discussed integrating wikis and the world of online communication into the English classroom. The author explains that while getting students involved in classroom discussions and assignments used to seem like pulling teeth, since he started a wiki, the students eagerly reply and take the time to both critique and teach their fellow students. One of the major benefits of the wiki is that students are able to coach their fellow students about assignments before they turn them into the teacher. Also, wikis enable students to go above and beyond the necessary classroom assignments. For example, Lawlor explained that one of his students realized that a few pages of the homework were missing from the wiki, so he/she formatted the wiki so that other classmates could do the assignment. Lawlor also said that students who were shy and reluctant to participate in class found themselves at home and eager to respond online.
1) How does creating homework assignments that involve the use of online tools work for students who don’t have computers?
I would assume that these students would explain their situation to the teacher after class, and he/she could adjust accordingly. Either the professor could make a written exception for these students or provide a bit of time for all students to go to computer labs or libraries in school in order to do the online portion of the assignment.
2) What exactly is a wiki? Is it like a blog?
Online, it explained that a wiki is a website that allows individuals to create and edit a number of shared webpages. It often functions in a community or network. To me, this sounds similar to a blog, and I could definitely see how using this in class could be interesting due to its interactivity. At first, I didn’t really want a blog, but I did enjoy reading my classmates comments on my blog and responding to theirs. I could see where students would enjoy communication on a wiki more than just a class discussion. But is there anything that separates a wiki from a blog? What makes a wiki unique? I am hoping to find out more about wikis in week three.
No comments:
Post a Comment