Learning With Blogs & WikisAndrea Tejedor, Coordinator of e-Learningatejedor@ouboces.org

Technology is reshaping students’ reading and writing practices with or without educators’ intervention

ChallengeTeach students to be literate in two languagesPre-digital worldPost-digital worldmindmeister

What does that mean?Thoughtful communication using powerful (and correct) communicationNot, “Yo! Wuz up Teach?”Examine long standing teaching traditions like:Using textbooks as a primary source of informationRelying on end-of-chapter testsSpelling words three times

Pre-Digital LiteracyLiteracy skills are those skills which enable a learner to read and write with independence, comprehension and fluency.FluencyReading ReadinessReadingWriting

The Writing ProcessPrewritingDraftingRevisingEditingPublishingThe writing process facilitates thinking and learning .

Post-Digital Literacy“ . . . is the ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers.”

What is a blog? A blog is a web-publishing concept that enables anyone to publish information on the Internet.Blogging has become a journalistic tool, a way to publish news, ideas, rants, announcements, and ponderings – anyone and everyone can be a columnist!A highly effective way to help students to become better writers.

Educational UsesModel good literacy in both old and new languagesCommunication with parents, teachers, and studentsProfessional development and collaborationInstructionEasy to build, easy to maintain websites

Blogging With StudentsReflection, feedback and collaborationEasy storage and organizationAccess to teachers and parents

Preparing for BloggingWhat teaching strategy will you use?Who are you trying to reach?Who will post to the blog?What is the key message?What are your goals?Is a blog the right way to go?

TipsHave something to sayHave a strong, clear “voice”Be predictable and trustworthyFrequency and ContentBe consistentWith formatting, styleCheck your linksSpellcheck

What is a wiki? A wiki is a Web site that allows those with access the power to edit or add content, track who made changes, and allow revisions to previous versions if needed.Wikis are being used to bring students together to build a common body of knowledge!A highly effective way to promote communication and collaboration.

Educational UsesModel good literacy in both old and new languagesProject development with peer reviewGroup authoringTrack a group projectData collectionPresentations

Using Wikis with StudentsReflection, feedback and collaborationEasy storage and organizationEasy access from any location

Preparing for WikisWhat are your goals?Who is your audience?What is the focus of your wiki?What types of information will you want on your wiki?Who are the contributors?How would you describe your wiki in a single sentence?Is a wiki the right way to go?

TipsAvoid Blank-Page Syndrome: Pre-fill your wiki with contentMake the front page a landing page for navigationGive users something concrete to doMake logging in as easy as possibleGet everyone to participateRemind your users that it’s ok to play

Reading, writing and thinking are what we do in schoolA continuing curriculum of content and skills The tools of writingLessons in writing content, composing skills, and conventions through:ExamplesDemonstrationsModels