Chapter 7 of
Teaching With The Tools Kids Really Use discusses the implications of using online writing as means of engaging students with their writing in the classroom. The chapter focus specifically on three different types, blogs, wikis, and web based word processors. Each of the three writing outlets vary from others and have different classroom use. Blogs are more like an online journal. A blog catalogs entries in reverse order from they date they are posted. Within a blog, the most recent one appears first and the more dated one appears last. A great use in the classroom of blogs would be a supplement to the standard handwriting journal. Students tend to write more if they can type and if a student can blog their reactions to their readings, the teacher might get a much more meaningful response. Wikis are websites that encourage collaboration at a corporate level. Users have access to change and edit information that the website contains. Think of Wikipedia. A good use for a classroom wiki would be parent-teacher communication. I could see teachers using wikis instead of a traditional classroom newsletter. The only problem is, what happens if a students parent does not have internet access? Maybe they have smart phone and an App can be developed? That would be cool. hmmm. Lastly, web based word processors are word processors that work by using the internet versus an actual application installed on the computer itself. This reminds me of Goggle Docs. The best use in the classroom for this would be collaborative work or even having students turn their homework in through Google Docs instead of printing it out to turn in. Only seems logical.
I have had experience with all three of these applications. More some than others, but none the less I have used each one in some form or fashion. The most used application discussed I have used would be the blog feature. As I have used a blog for some time. The least used application would have to be the wiki. It might be that I have used a wiki or even viewed a wiki without the realization that the website was indeed a wiki. My only reservation with wikis is the ability to edit content. I am sure there are controls the creator can have but the idea of having a classroom wiki able to be edited by anyone makes me nervous. I could see my students changing the due date of assignments. Some practical jokers they would be. Web based word processors are not really new to me but not necessarily old. I knew about them but did not use them as much as I think I should have. I used them mostly for sharing documents such as study guides with my peers.
In all, these programs that allow students to write online I think have a place more so than others in the classroom. Unlike virtual worlds or video games, the classroom implications seem logical of using these sources to promote healthy writing attitudes. Plus with kids using Facebook, Twitter, and computers more and more in general today, it will not be too long before writing online is the normal standard.
Our class web site is a wiki. There are few wide open wikis these days. Most are protected - including Wikipedia. Just because people can collaborate does not mean that is has to be open to everyone. Instead, protected wikis are only available for editing to those whom the creator has given permission. Some wikis are completely private and cannot even be viewed by anyone who has not been invited. More on all of that on Friday when we look at Sites!
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts on writing. Thanks!