Thing 17: Wiki

The sky is the limit with this tool!  Okay I'm sure there is a limit ,but from the wikis I looked at there seems to be a multitude of reasons people would use this application and a plethora of tools to use which make it more interactive.  From what I can tell a wiki is much more interactive than a web page or a blog because people can alter or add to the content.

One page I spent a lot of time with was a second grade teacher from California, http://mrsibrahim.wikispaces.com/ All of her students had a page.  They included an About Me description and scanned a self-portrait of themselves.  This would be meaningful to them as the whole world could be their audience.  They also some additinal writing pieces there.  She also utilizes it as a tool to communication with parents.  She has an A-Z of words that have to do with the different subjects.  The visitors can click on areas and learn more about them.  For example, under Reading she has a Literature Circle link where she describes the process and different jobs for the students.  She also uploaded a voice recording of the students' discussion. What an awesome way for the parents to experience it first hand.  She is demonstrating the students' learning so clearly using this tool!  She also uses Widgets for the kids to practice math skills.  Brilliant!

When comparing K-12 to other Wikis, I definitely see a difference in the size of communities that it draws.  I got a real kick out of checking the HowtoWiki.  The articles on there were hilarious, How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Organically?  Seriously?!  I also found the topics of the "most popular" articles read interesting.  It seems it may draw a younger crowd.  I can see why it would be helpful for both purposes, personal and professional.  I thought it was interesting to hear that the Wikis are actually more precise than a paperback encyclopedia because it's not stagnate and more eyes can catch inaccuracies.