Using weblogs and wiki's in the classroom

There are several ways that a weblog or wiki could be used in a classroom setting that would be beneficial to everyone.

Although weblogs would not be viewed as a useful tool for educators to use with there students they are very resourceful for a number of reasons. One of the reasons I would use a weblog as a teacher is to keep track of my students journals as a teacher. This is especially useful for English teachers because it will allow for them to keep track of the way their students write and correct the fact that a great deal of students do not use the correct grammar when they are typing online. Since I want to be an anthropology teacher a weblog would be helpful because I could tell my students that their assignment is to observe a group of students and to record any previous notions or biases they may have had to the group and then after working/ observing the group to write how they feel about the group. Then have them compare the two views and ask why they think the change occurred and to have them write a blog about that also.This would allow internet to be incorporated into the classroom in another way other than the usual research that students will normally use the computer for.Another way to use a weblog is to give assignments and/or notes for the class in order to the students to have access to any information that they may have missed one day but to also allow them to ask questions that relate to the information. This allows for the teacher another method to distribute the information to the students and it will allow the students a chance to ask the teacher questions without being embarrassed of what other students may think.

A way that a wiki could be useful is for a computer class where the teacher assigns for a group of students to create their own wiki. Then each groups wiki layout would be used for a different math class. The math teachers would assign homework and the assignment would have to be uploaded to the wiki with a step by step explanation of their work.These two uses would give one set of students the opportunity to have the work in school have a larger meaning than just receiving a grade. Then the students who have to turn their homework in online are given the opportunity to see how other students work out the problem if they are struggling with their work. The two work as positive reinforcement for the students. Another way to use a wiki is to have one set up for the class the has the daily notes, a place to turn in homework, and a place to submit projects or parts of projects. This would just be a major link outside of the normal classroom setting for the teacher to keep in contact with the students and deliver information that they may have missed. Also if a student misses class they now do not have a valid excuse as to miss any assignment.