The Difference and Similarities Between Wikis and Blogs

Blogs and Wikis are very similar in many ways but different as well. In Mr.C's class blog, from Noel Elementary School, he shares videos, other student and teacher blogs, as well as important information for each class he teaches. Blogs are more like a diary because on each post it shows the date. So the viewers know when the information was posted and how it applies to everyday learning. Mr.C also posts tutorials for his students so he can teach them "how to write a dramatic monologue." He lists assignments based on videos that he has embedded onto the blog, one in particular that caught my eye was a video about judging people by their appearances. I believe that it is important to teach children at an early age that judging a book by its cover is not the right thing to do. On the side of his blog he also has many links for students to explore such as the library link and other informational links. I noticed all of the little things on his blog, like the current weather and a link to dictionary.com. He really put a lot of thought into this blog and it shows by all the important tools and feedback from his students. http://mrcsclassblog.blogspot.com/
Wikis are different in a way because they are more like a class website designed for the students to use and the teacher to display basic information. A wiki includes videos, assignments and other websites to explore but its not done on a daily basis. A blog is constantly changing from day to day while on a wiki page maybe the homework assignment will change but the other information stays the same. The biggest difference I noticed between the blog and the wiki is that the wiki has less information and other school have a chance to interact with each other. This is possible on Arjana Blazic's wiki titled "Greetings from the World,"her students interact with others from around the world and share different experiences. Each country posts a comment about their culture and other respond to them. This is a positive and exciting way to teach children diversity, which is one of the most important subjects of todays society. http://greetingsfromtheworld.wikispaces.com/
On a blog a teacher could post a question about a current event and ask the student to blog about what they think about it, if they agree or disagree with the article. On a wiki a student could be asked to embed a youtube video that has relevance to the topic they are discussing in class and respond to why it is important.

About Me

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

What makes a good class website? Should the teacher integrate new technologies into her instruction?

I believe a good class website should be organized and clearly state its objectives, whether it be for students, teacher or parents. The website should be aesthetically pleasing to the individual of group of people that the website is intended for. There should be enough information about the course including materials, syllabus, and links to find outside sources needed for the class. Many of the websites that I have looked at have specific areas set aside for educators, students and parents. This is helpful because you know exactly where to look for the information needed and there is no confusion as to where you need to go. Some teacher websites have pictures and quotes that they love and it gives the viewer a sense of their personality and their love for the teaching profession. 


Teachers should definitely incorporate the latest technologies into their instruction because technology is changing so rapidly it is important to keep up with it in the classroom setting. The computer is so much a part of our education that it is essential students learn at a young age how to utilize it to the best of their ability. In todays world students are using instant messaging, search engines, word processor and many other tools all on the computer.   It can be difficult to incorporate new technologies because they are continually evolving but it is important for teachers to include these new technologies so students will be well prepared for the years ahead. Not only are there new tools but strategies on interpreting, evaluating, locating and questioning information on the internet which are all important skills that should be taught by the teacherSo integrating the computer and all of its resources is very important on how a young child will survive in their future years of schooling and eventually in the workforce.

Introduction

Hi my name is Jackie Schwartz and I am a transfer student. This is my first semester at the University of Hartford. I am very interested in Early Childhood Education, specifically grades 1-3. I would like to get a dual certification in Special Education as well but I am still deciding if that is right for me. I am from Westchester, NY and I am 21 years old.  I have worked as a camp counselor in my town for 7 years and that is how I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education. My goal for the course is to learn everything I can about the important computer tools used in the teaching world. My hobbies include: dancing, reading, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends. I really look forward to learning more about computers in education as the semester goes on!