To Wiki or Blog - that is the question...

I'm ready to seek approval from my administration to institute a classroom wikispace forum as soon as our Connecticut Mastery tests are completed. I tried a work-around in the absence of a formal approval to lift our web filters in my classroom earlier this year with my students. I wanted them to begin journaling using their laptops, to post comments within our entire academic team - everyone writing and commenting about a topic in preparation for our 8th grade persuasive writing focus. After reading Flowers for Algernon I thought it was important to have my students comment with one another about their feelings regarding the entire concept of "heroic integrity." What does it take to be a person who makes great change? What does it take to be a leader? What characteristics are necessary to be a citizen of honor?

When I compared the results of my on-line website forum to regular paper journaling, I was impressed with the aptitude my students proved in their spelling, grammar, formatting and commentary throughout the entire posting and commenting process. I had a 100% participation level - 106 students blogging and commenting in a threaded blog forum work-around. I was impressed. I was feeling rather proud of my "littles" and their commitement to our writing pioneering adventure into blogging.

I've done some investigating regarding the protocols, benefits and limitations of both blogs and wikis. I'm ready to make the proposal to my administration to gain the approval to begin our journey into the land of wikispaces for my students as a means of opening the doors to the world of web 2.0 in classroom 113!

Wiki Collaboration vs. Blog Sequencing:

Wiki...

• A Wiki can be edited by any individual with access to the forum


• Many authors are permitted


• Students can write, revise and submit directly on the approved wiki forum in a safe environment


• Customization of each individual wikipage within the forum


• With only a web browser, groups of people can work on collaborating written content


• Knowledge grows with each individual - a wiki can be a truly global experience with topic information and expertise


• Wiki information and posts grow at any time of day, globally


• Discussion might take place on pages or in a forum dedicated for discussion


• Easy to publish and incorporate applications such as pdf files and PowerPoint presentations


• Any sort of spam situation can be policed by the community with access to the wiki


• Critical thinking skills are developed as students critique each others' contributions


• Information literacy skills as students verify each others' facts for accuracy


• Teachers can collaboratively make real-time comments with authentic feedback


• Notifications occur when changes and posts are made


• Privacy and security are non-issues as personal email issues are not needed

Blog...

• Writing Sequencing - one author, one opinion, written in sequence


• Collaborative sharing doesn't exist; knowledge is limited to one person


• One post is written at a time


• The blogger approves the post discussions


• The blogger is the only spam "watcher"

"Never give a worksheet again..." Using Wikis in Education - a collaborative discussion:
http://www.viddler.com/explore/procomkelly/videos/2/

I'm ready... to Wiki... that is the answer...