Wiki Wiki Wiki

Before the last class, I really haven't had much experience with wikis. Truthfully, I've been like one of the people Richardson describes who is afraid of using wikis for fear of getting inaccurate information. I have even discouraged my students from using information directly from Wikipedia. I guess I never realized how big the wiki network is. Richardson's comment about wikis being edited every 2 to 3 seconds is amazing. I also wasn't aware of the expanse of information available, such as, recipes, vacations, even my favorite, buffalo wings. Rather than shrinking back from this technology, I should be throwing myself into it so I can make a well informed opinion on its use. I am attracted to the idea about having students review information for accuracy and connections. This provides a semi-safe environment for students to dialog with other interested in the same content. So thinking about teacher leadership, how do you get parents in on the movement? Parents see these tools in a very different light. Teachers may see wikis as a tool to be used to promote student collaboration and thinking, where parents see them as a place for vandals to run rampant and predators to prey on kids. How do you overcome this disparity? On a side note, what are the craziest pages found on Wikipedia (appropriate of course)?

Let it Snow!

It's sad and wonderful at the same time. One inch of snow shuts down the nation's capital. It was a well needed break, for the kids of course. I realized this week how dependent a blog is on subject. For example, last week I blogged about my reactions to the book, but this week there was no reading. Henceforth, no blogging. As I reflect on this, it makes me think twice about using blogs with my students. I need to examine what I would use it for and make sure it is of a subject that would last for the year. Otherwise, it becomes a site of outdated posts that serve no purpose since there is no conversation. Just a random thought from a well rested man.