Wikis+in+Teaching+and+Learning

How do you think wikis will change teaching and learning? What do you see as their potential to change the way teachers and students read, write and collaborate?
Cindy, I believe wikis will open up new ways to teach and learn but it will develop slowly over time. One reason is because some teachers will not want to embrace the new technology and change their teaching style. Younger teachers who are more comfortable with technology will incorporate wikis into their classrooms. For myself, wikis and other technologies have made it more convenient to take classes and learn different subject matter. I can see colleges increasing their online courses to be competitive with other colleges and increase student enrollment and revenues. With virtual high schools and parents wanting alternatives to the traditional schools, I can see the increase of the use of wikis in schools to attract open enrollment students to their virtual schools. I can see wikis being used in the middle school but I don't see how they could be used in the early elementary grades except for communication between teachers and parents. For teachers and students, wikis are great because you have the information you need on one page with links to other sites. Students can explore at their own pace. Students who do not participate in the classroom can collaborate with others online. Being able to collaborate with others around the world will definitely open up the students' minds to different viewpoints and ideas. As a teacher, I will have access to new information instantly and not have to wait for it to appear in a textbook. Students will learn to use critical thinking skills as they are reading and writing.

**Emmy: What do you think about the idea of using the wikis as a station/learning center in an elementary classroom? Can you see possibilities for that?**

Cindy, I can see that now. The students can go to the wiki to view a short video. there could be links to educational websites. I guess the possibilities could be endless.