Wiki topic of choice

Well the next part of module 2 for EDIT 564 asks to find a wiki on a topic of my choice. I picked animal enrichment. THere isn't a whole lost available to search through, more examples of what facilities do for animal enrichment programs. Unfortunately the only thing I can suggest for the few wikis available are that they need more content, more editing and just plain more. The few available are okay, but are very dry and science based. I have found better content and information overall on several zoo websites.

Reflections on some Wikis

• The Holocaust Wiki Project leads you through a disturbing simulation: http://www.ahistoryteacher.com/~ahistory/apwhreview/index.php?title=Holocaust_Wiki_Project
• PlanetMath is produced by a virtual community that collaborates to create a mathematics encyclopedia as well as books, papers, and forums about mathematical knowledge: http://planetmath.org/
• The ITSopedia wiki was created by GMU graduate students/teachers as part of their efforts to learn about integrating technology into their K-12 classes: ITSopedia.pbwiki.com

The above listed link are to actual wikis that have educational uses. What I found about each of them is that they were informative and to the point with clear and informative choices. Each had a unique perspective and way of informing/teaching the learner or seeker.

The Holocaust Wiki Project is a hypermedia project that allow the user to assume an identity and make choice that can lead to more choices or to an untimely end during Nazi occupied Greece. If reminds a lot of a "choose your own ending" storybook. This wiki is user friendly and straightforward. It was hard to not always the "escape" choice knowing what I know about the Holocaust and surrounding historical events.

PlanetMath, although not at first visually appealing, is helpful to math students and enthusiasts. It has a quick turn around for for those who post questions about a variety of math topics. If I was taking a math course, I would find this wiki to be helpful, not pretty, but useable.

The ITSopedia wiki is a cliff note version of the ITSOLC website, (www.itsolc.gmu.edu). My only criticism is that most of links haven't been edited for two years. I found it to be be a clear and concise source about ITSOLC and several of its concepts. I personally think it should be accessible by all ITSOLC students.

That's my two cents.

Practice Activities Mod 1

Well unfortunately I have been procrastinating and that has been put to a stop. I have been spending more time on the Internet, mostly looking for jobs and posting resumes, where I have stumbled upon more and more blogs. I have checked a few of them out and a question comes to mind what is the difference between an article and a blog? Both are a recipe of viewpoints, opinions, facts, research, and ideas. Both are published. Both can be responded to by its readers.

Is a blog just a electronic article? I don't know.

Well on with the assignment.

Lesson title: What's your favorite animal and Why?

Type of Web 2.0 Tool: blog

SOL and Secondary Objectives related to the Lesson: Students will utilize their evaluation skills while researching about their favorite animal online. Students will use reasoning, critical and logical thinking to organize the information found into a different order. Students will also edit the information they gather to produce a simple straightforward blog entry. Students will also use previously learned computer skills to navigate the Internet, upload photos and cite online information.

Brief Description of Overall Lesson: Students will conduct research online to find out facts and natural history about their favorite animal. Students will organize their research into a logical format based on who, what, where, when, why and how. Students will upload an image of their favorite animal into their blog entry. All information gathered online will be cited from each resources used. Blog entries will be restricted to 300 words. Each student blog entry will be be reviewed by the instructor for any grammatical or factual errors and that each student adhered to the guidelines. All approved student blog entries will be posted online to a common classroom blog webpage.

Lesson Title: So Who Knows Their Animal's?

Type of Web 2.0 Tool: blog

SOL and Secondary Objectives Related to Lesson: Students will use critical thinking and research skills to evaluate other student's blog entries. Students will gain hands on experience on how to evaluate information gathered online and determine its validity and accuracy. Students will also learn how to employ constructive criticism. Students will be limited to 100 words for each critique.

Brief Description of Overall Lesson: Students will select two other student blog entries and evaluate their content. Students will check their online sources cited for accuracy and critique overall content and wording of two student blog entries. Student critique of other student's entries will be evaluated by the teacher for accuracy, thought, constructive input and originality.