Topic1

= Learning Topic 1: = = Blogs and Wikis =

Background/Rationale
Blogs (also known as Weblogs) are websites that are easy to create, edit, and publish. They differ from common websites because they are managed by an individual. Blogs are typically updated daily containing reflections and/or conversations, similar to a journal or diary. Blogs are used for multiple purposes like sharing art, pictures, videos, and music to sharing thoughts, ideas, work, etc.

The term "wiki" derived from the Hawaiian phrase "wiki wiki," which means quick. Wikis provide a quick and easy way for individuals from around the world to collaborate and communicate their ideas, thoughts, projects, etc. anytime they want from any computer. There has been some question about the accuracy of wikis, such as Wikipedia, but there are also many supporters of the power of collaboration that it offers.

Each tool can be very powerful both professionally and personally, **IF** they are used correctly.

Learner Outcomes

 * Develop a common understanding of blogs and wikis
 * Compare and contrast free blogs and wikis to determine the best for an educational setting
 * Create, edit, and publish a blog
 * Embed a file into a blog
 * Create, edit, and publish a wiki
 * Analyze professional views on blogs and wikis
 * Evaluate how blogs and wikis can be used in your classroom

Readings and Research

 * Optional Reading:**
 * Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. (Chapters 2-4)


 * Library Resource:**
 * Books 24/7 - @http://libguides.regis.edu/atozdatabases


 * Online Magazines:**
 * Tech&Learning - @http://www.techlearning.com/
 * THE Journal - @http://thejournal.com/Home.aspx
 * Journal of Educational Technology & Society - @http://www.ifets.info/
 * Education Week: Digital Directions - @http://www.edweek.org/dd/
 * eLearn Magazine - @http://www.elearnmag.org/
 * Edutopia - @http://www.edutopia.org/


 * Free Wiki Resources:**
 * Wikispaces - http://www.wikispaces.com/
 * Wikispaces for Educators - @http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers
 * Google Sites - @http://sites.google.com/
 * PBworks - @http://pbworks.com/
 * Zoho - @http://wiki.zoho.com/login.do?serviceurl=%2Fregister.do
 * Wetpaint - []
 * Wetpaint Wikis in Education - @http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/


 * Educational Wiki Examples:**
 * Educational Wikis - http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Examples+of+educational+wikis


 * Free Blogging Resources:**
 * Blogger - @http://www.blogger.com/home
 * Edublogs - @http://edublogs.org/campus/
 * WordPress - @http://wordpress.com/
 * 21 Classes - @http://www.21classes.com/
 * SchoolRack - @http://www.schoolrack.com/
 * ClassPress - @http://www.classpress.com/


 * Educational Blog Examples:**
 * SupportBlogging.com - @http://supportblogging.com/Links+to+School+Bloggers
 * I"heart"EdTech - @http://blog.simplek12.com/


 * Wiki Search Terms:**
 * Educational wikis
 * Free wikis
 * Classroom wiki examples
 * Educational wiki examples

Field experience is not applicable to this topic.
 * Field Experience**

Learning Activities
//Blogs and wikis are both very powerful tools when they are used properly. You will identify the differences between the two, get ideas about how they are used in the classroom, and develop your own blog and wiki.//
 * Context:**

1.1: Blog & Wiki Quick-write and Wikis vs. Blogs Slideshow
In a three minute quick-write, you will create a t-table with blogs on one side and wikis on the other. During the allotted time, you will write as many words that you can think of, to describe each one. If you are unfamiliar with one or both, that’s OK! Instead, write about what you would like to know about each topic. This activity is to get you thinking about what you already know or in some cases, what you would like to know. After time is up, you will share your ideas with your peers.

After reviewing your quick-write, you may have discovered that some people may be familiar with blogs and wikis and some may not. You are going to see a quick slide show that will clarify or reaffirm your thoughts about the two by demonstrating the differences between blogs and wikis.

View the following Powerpoint presentation: Weikert, J. (2008). Wikis vs Blogs (pptx.). Retrieved from @http://www.slideshare.net/jxs138/wiki-vs-blog

1.2: Blog Investigation
There are a variety of free blog and wiki hosts available, but not all of them are suitable for every group of students or every teacher. While we would like to use the first source we come across, it's not only critical to keep in mind the safety of our students first and foremost, but also the credibility of the source and its features.

To investigate the quality of various blog hosts you will spend some time comparing and contrasting three different blog hosts. Technical comparisons for some blogs can be found at: wikimatrix. To guide your investigation the class will determine the top four characteristics they believe are important for such hosting systems (characteristics may differ between leveled teachers). Some characteristics to consider are:
 * Ease of use for editing (for the owner and/or collaborators)
 * User-friendly (for visitors)
 * Visual appeal
 * Features you like and dislike
 * Available accounts for students
 * Safety/Privacy
 * Layout
 * Content
 * The content area(s) that would work best with a blog

Once the class has determined the top four characteristics you will select three different blog hosts to compare and contrast relative to these characteristics. In **Classroom Instruction That Works**, Bob Marzano displays a comparison matrix (figure 2.4), that you will use to organize your research. Using the top four characteristics determined by the class complete the following matrix. Submit your completed matrix to the Topic1_StudentPage. or The following checklist will be used to assess completion of this activity:
 * **REMEMBER** to save blog resources to the del.icio.us account you created before this course began.
 * Blog Comparison Matrix ||
 * Characteristics |||||| Items to be compared ||  ||
 * ^  || #1 || #2 || #3 ||^   ||
 * 1. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 2. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 3. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 4. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 1.2 Assessment (30 points)**
 * ====**Blog Matrix Comparison**==== || Points || Comments ||
 * * Three different blog hosts are selected (5 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Four characteristics are selected correctly (5 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Similarities between blog hosts are listed (10 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Differences between blog hosts are listed (10 points) ||  ||   ||
 * ===== **Total (30 points)** ===== ||  ||

1.3: Wiki Investigation
Now that you have investigated different blog hosts, you are going to do the same for wiki hosts. There are a variety of free wikis available but not all of them are suitable for every group of students or every teacher. Remember that it is critical to keep in mind the safety of our students and also the credibility of the source and its features. Technical comparisons for some wikis can be found at: wikimatrix

To investigate the quality of wiki hosts you will spend some time comparing and contrasting three different wiki hosts based on the top four characteristics the class believes are important for such hosting systems (characteristics may differ between leveled teachers).

Some characteristics to consider are:
 * Ease of use for editing (for the owner and/or collaborators)
 * User-friendly (for visitors)
 * Visual appeal
 * Features you like and dislike
 * Available accounts for students
 * Safety/Privacy
 * The content area(s) that would work best with a wiki

Once the class has determined the top four characteristics you will select three different wiki hosts to compare and contrast relative to these characteristics. In **Classroom Instruction That Works**, Bob Marzano displays a comparison matrix (figure 2.4), that you will use to organize your research. Using the top four characteristics determined by the class complete the following matrix. Submit your completed matrix to the instructor. or The following checklist will be used to assess completion of this activity:
 * REMEMBER to save wiki resources to your del.icio.us account.
 * Wiki Comparison Matrix ||
 * Characteristics |||||| Items to be compared ||  ||
 * ^  || #1 || #2 || #3 ||^   ||
 * 1. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 2. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 3. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 4. ||  ||   ||   || Similarities ||
 * ^  ||   ||   ||   || Differences ||
 * 1.3 Assessment (30 points):**
 * ====**Wiki Matrix Comparison**==== || Points || Comments ||
 * * Three different wiki hosts are selected (5 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Four characteristics are selected correctly (5 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Similarities between wiki hosts are listed (10 points) ||  ||   ||
 * * Differences between wiki hosts are listed (10 points) ||  ||   ||
 * ===== **Total (30 points)**  ===== ||   ||

1.4: Share Your Findings
Working in table groups, you will discuss the sites, the similarities, and differences that you found for blogs and wikis. Each group will select one host site for blogs and one host site for wikis that they found to be the best. You will share these sites with the class including an explanation of why the site was rated as one of the best. After the discussion, the instructor can list the sites on the class wiki for you to reference when you are completing Activities 8 and 10.

1.5: Educational Blog & Wiki Search Part 2
Teachers of all levels have been using the Internet to help enhance their instruction, but now students are being given the power to enhance their own education. There are many student projects that are being conducted using blogs and wikis at all levels of education. As teachers, we rely on sharing and borrowing information.

Go online and search for uses of educational blogs and wikis. Throughout your search, keep in mind…
 * The features that you like/dislike for classroom integration and/or student/teacher use
 * The content area(s) that would work best with blogs/wikis
 * Is it student friendly? Why/why not?

Compare a minimum of 3 sites for educational blogs and a minimum of 3 sites for educational wikis. Provide detailed descriptions about how each site is being used. Determine which features you like and dislike, what content areas for which the site would be appropriate and the student friendly features that you like and dislike. You need to take notes during this process using the following note taking chart to help organize your thoughts (it would be best to use two separate note taking charts – one for blogs and one for wikis). Also, save any sites to your del.icio.us account that you will find useful at another time.
 * Site || How is it Being Used? || Features || Content Area(s) || Student Friendliness ||
 * ||  || Like: ||   || Like: ||
 * ^  ||   || Dislike: ||   || Dislike: ||
 * ||  || Like: ||   || Like: ||
 * ^  ||   || Dislike: ||   || Dislike: ||
 * ||  || Like: ||   || Like: ||
 * ^  ||   || Dislike: ||   || Dislike: ||
 * ||  || Like: ||   || Like: ||
 * ^  ||   || Dislike: ||   || Dislike: ||
 * 1.5 Assessment (50 points):**

1.6: Analyzing Views About Blogs and Wikis
//**(Capstone Project Suggestion)**// Now that you have analyzed different blog/wiki hosts and investigated various ways that they are being used in educational settings, you are going to research how professionals are viewing them. Using online journals, books, and/or online resources, search for articles that are for and against using these tools in the classroom. Using your findings and personal opinions, you are going to summarize your thoughts and findings using the outline and guiding questions below. Each section should contain a minimum of three paragraphs.

List your sources using APA style. When you complete your paper, submit your paper to //Topic1_StudentPage//.
 * Section 1: Blogs (include a minimum of 3 citations)**
 * Based on the research you found, what are the advantages/disadvantages of blogging in the classroom?
 * What blog host(s) is the best for your educational setting? Explain.
 * How are blogs currently being integrated into the classroom setting?
 * Section 2: Wikis (include a minimum of 3 citations)**
 * Based on the research you found, what are the advantages/disadvantages of using wikis in the classroom?
 * What wiki host(s) is the best for your educational setting? Explain.
 * How are wikis currently being used in the classroom setting?
 * Section 3: Your View on Blogs and Wikis in the Classroom**
 * How would blogs be beneficial in your classroom?
 * How might you integrate blogging into your classroom?
 * How would wikis be beneficial in you classroom?
 * How might you integrate wikis into your classroom?
 * Section 4: Bibliography**

Regis Rubric: CPS School of Education and Counseling General Writing Rubric - []
 * 1.6 Assessment**

//Section 1: Blogs (include a minimum of 3 citations)// //Section 2: Wikis (include a minimum of 3 citations)// //Section 3: Your View on Blogs and Wikis in the Classroom// //Bibliography/Formatting//
 * 1.6 Assessment Checklist (100 points):**
 * Advantages and disadvantages of blogging in the classroom (10 points)
 * Blog host of choice and explanation of why (10 points)
 * Current use of blogging in classrooms (10 points)
 * Advantages/disadvantages of using wikis in the classroom (10 points)
 * Wiki host of choice and explanation of why (10 points)
 * Current use of wikis in the classroom (10 points)
 * Benefits of blogs in your classroom (5 points)
 * Blog integration in your classroom (5 points)
 * Benefits of wikis in your classroom (5 points)
 * Wiki integration in your classroom (5 points)
 * Uses correct APA format (10 points)
 * Minimum of 6 citations (3 from each of research sections) (10 points)

1.7: Create a Reflection Blog
Using the blog host of your choice, you are going to create a blog that will be used to share your experiences throughout the duration of the course. If you haven’t created a blog before, your blog host should provide instructions and/or there are many resources online to help you. Be sure to give your blog an appropriate title, theme, graphics, features, etc. When you have finished creating your blog, you need to share the link to your blog with your instructor and classmates on the wiki under “Our Blogs.” You will use the links throughout the course to comment on your peers’ blog posts. RubiStar is a free tool for teachers to use in order to create quality rubrics. There are many content areas and projects to choose from that will help generate various characteristics to evaluate. The RubiStar Multimedia rubric will be used to evaluate your work.
 * //Blog Requirements://**
 * Contains appropriate title
 * Chooses an original theme
 * Includes a least one graphic or unique feature
 * Shared with instructor
 * Blog URL is posted on Topic1_StudentPage under “Our Blogs”
 * 1.7 Assessment**


 * =====**1.7 Blog Design**===== ||
 * CATEGORY || 4 || 3 || 2 || 1 ||
 * Requirements || All requirements are met and exceeded. || All requirements are met. || One requirement was not completely met. || More than one requirement was not completely met. ||
 * Attractiveness || Makes excellent use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance the presentation. || Makes good use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. to enhance to presentation. || Makes use of font, color, graphics, effects, etc. but occasionally these detract from the presentation content. || Use of font, color, graphics, effects etc. but these often distract from the presentation content. ||
 * Organization || Content is well organized using headings or bulleted lists to group related material. || Uses headings or bulleted lists to organize, but the overall organization of topics appears flawed. || Content is logically organized for the most part but lacks headings or bulleted lists to further organize the content. || There was no clear or logical organizational structure, just lots of facts. ||
 * Originality || Product shows a large amount of original thought. Ideas are creative and inventive. || Product shows some original thought. || Uses other people's ideas (giving them credit), but there is little evidence of original thinking. || Uses other people's ideas, but does not give them credit. ||

1.8: Wordle Word Clouds
Wordle is a tool used to create "Word Clouds" using text that the user provides. The user can personalize the theme, fonts, and layout of their cloud. It is a great way to demonstrate an understanding of a concept, to present writing in a different way, to help main ideas stand out in a body of writing, etc.

After activity seven, students will use Wordle to create two word clouds about blogs and wikis. When your word clouds are complete, they should be embedded on your blog as your first post. Please title your post //**"What Are Blogs and Wikis?"**//

Below are lists of common words used to describe blogs and wikis. These words should be included in students' word clouds. Journal Part of Website Maintained by Individual Commentary Images Graphics Videos Descriptions Reverse Chronological Order Diary Text Links Microblogging Podcasting Weblog Posts Blogger || Wiki Keywords: Collaboration WYSIWYG Edit Sharing Collective Create Modify Organize Interlinked Quick Community ||
 * 1.8 Assessment:**
 * Blog Keywords:

1.9: Create a Wiki (Independent - Online)
Using your wiki host of choice, you will create a wiki to support a specific content area, unit of study, project, training etc. This wiki needs to contain an appropriate title, content, layout, color and multiple pages. It should also have multiple pages and should be set up for your students to edit. Keep in mind that this can always be revised! When you have finished creating your wiki, you need to share the link to your wiki with your instructor and classmates on //Topic1_StudentPage//.

RubiStar is a free tool for teachers to use in order to create quality rubrics. There are many content areas and projects to choose from that will help generate various characteristics to evaluate. The RubiStar Multimedia rubric will be used to evaluate your work.
 * 1.9 Assessment**

//**Wiki Requirements:**//
 * Contains appropriate title
 * Content is specific to your topic throughout the wiki
 * Color, font, layout has been considered and revised if necessary
 * Wiki contains multiple pages
 * Page settings should allow for student editing
 * **1.9 Classroom Wiki** ||
 * CATEGORY || 4 || 3 || 2 || 1 ||
 * Requirements || All requirements are met and exceeded. || All requirements are met. || One requirement was not completely met. || More than one requirement was not completely met. ||
 * Layout || The Web site has an exceptionally attractive and usable layout. It is easy to locate all important elements. White space, graphic elements and/or alignment are used effectively to organize material. || The Web pages have an attractive and usable layout. It is easy to locate all important elements. || The Web pages have a usable layout, but may appear busy or boring. It is easy to locate most of the important elements. || The Web pages are cluttered looking or confusing. It is often difficult to locate important elements. ||
 * Navigation || Links for navigation are clearly labeled, consistently placed, allow the reader to easily move from a page to related pages (forward and back), and take the reader where s/he expects to go. A user does not become lost. || Links for navigation are clearly labeled, allow the reader to easily move from a page to related pages (forward and back), and internal links take the reader where s/he expects to go. A user rarely becomes lost. || Links for navigation take the reader where s/he expects to go, but some needed links seem to be missing. A user sometimes gets lost. || Some links do not take the reader to the sites described. A user typically feels lost. ||
 * Color Choices || Colors of background, fonts, unvisited and visited links form a pleasing palette, do not detract from the content, and are consistent across pages. || Colors of background, fonts, unvisited and visited links do not detract from the content, and are consistent across pages. || Colors of background, fonts, unvisited and visited links do not detract from the content. || Colors of background, fonts, unvisited and visited links make the content hard to read or otherwise distract the reader. ||
 * Fonts || The fonts are consistent, easy to read and point size varies appropriately for headings and text. Use of font styles (italic, bold, underline) is used consistently and improves readability. || The fonts are consistent, easy to read and point size varies appropriately for headings and text. || The fonts are consistent and point size varies appropriately for headings and text. || A wide variety of fonts, styles and point sizes was used. ||
 * Interest || The author has made an exceptional attempt to make the content of this Web site interesting to the people for whom it is intended. || The author has tried to make the content of this Web site interesting to the people for whom it is intended. || The author has put lots of information in the Web site but there is little evidence that the person tried to present the information in an interesting way. || The author has provided only the minimum amount of information and has not transformed the information to make it more interesting to the audience (e.g., has only provided a list of links to the content of others). ||

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** Homework Assignments **
// **Due Friday, March 18th** - Submit to Topic1_StudentPage //.
 * 1.5 Researching Blogs & Wikis - finish.
 * 1.6 Analyzing Views about Blogs & Wikis - //(100 points)//
 * 1.7 Create a Reflection Blog - //(16 points) - Post link to Our Blogs page.//

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