Lesson 2: WIKIS

This week, I got the opportunity to explore many websites using databases and spreadsheets.  I feel like I am more familiar with the spreadsheets than the databases.  I have at least used Microsoft excel, which if you don't know is an example of a spreadsheet.  I feel like these can be useful in the classroom if they are implemented in an appropriate manner.  They are great for organizing a large amount of information.  Tools like excel can be used to make tables, charts, or graphs.  Just like in "The Machine that Goes Ping", it is important to know how to use the shiny new technology, and not just have it in your classroom because it is new and shiny.  So many teachers have the latest technology, but don't really utilize in their classroom.  This doesn't help the students when it comes to learning how to use any technology. 
Another exploration I did this week was learning all about Wiki.  I've never really knew what these were before, with the exception of wikipedia.  A wiki is a website created so that multiple people can have acess to it, not just to read, but to add to.  Wiki can be used in a classroom for group projects, discussion boards, or as ways for teachers to get information out.  A specific Wiki I looked at was one made by Vicki Davis, a Georgia school teacher.  She uses Wiki in her classroom.  The website is used for her and her students.  You could say it is administrative and educational.  It gets information to parents/students while allowing students to share on their class projects.  The website is being used to post and compile information.  It is also being used for the construction of new knowledge.  I think the use of Wiki in a classroom is a great use of technology.  However, what about those students that don't have computers at their house.  For anyone that works in a school system where many students are low-income, this may be a problem.  Students without computers may feel left out or like that can't contribute.  Then, you couldn't make the use of the Wiki mandatory because not every student has access to computers.  
I also completed three tech explorations this week.  Online mapping tools are used to organize your data.  Your classroom can use these for brainstorming and organizing what they come up with.  This resource would be good for science and math classes.  It allows the student to see what their work got them.  Another website was google docs.  This is a great way to share information from student to student or student to teacher! It is free and extremely easy to use.  Bonus: you won't have to keep up with a flash drive.  You just upload your assignment to the doc then go to school and get on any computer sign in to your google account and it's there! Animoto is one of the last sites I explored.  It does cost money to use, but only five bucks a month (or $30 a year).  For some teachers this may be worth the cost.  It allows students to be creative and create 30 second videos (if you have the free version).  Students could use animoto when making presentations.  There are great attention grabbing tools.  Teachers could also use it for their presentations.