Jon+Vogt

__Observations__

__1. "Greetings From Around the World"__ -This wiki strikes me as very diverse considering the wide range of countries and cultures represented. As a social studies teacher, I value the appreciation in other ways of life that the project instills. -My only hangup is the speed in which the Glogster reports from each country run. The slowness may have to do with the speed of this computer or network, or, it may be slower due to the links to external sites.

__2. "Metasaga"__ -I noticed a feature of a wiki immediately: the fact they are easy to use. The front page of this wiki contanis a headline and message about the earthquake in Japan. If the wiki were at all difficult to use, this information would likely be delayed. -One curious aspect of this wiki was that it contains a link to a video entitled, "What is a metasaga?" After viewing the video, I am still not sure what one is.

While browsing some of the top wikis of 2010, I had an idea that I hope I can use for an upcoming essay on the fall of Rome. It will similar to the website that showed Glogsters from around the world, however, I will attempt to include students from around the school.

__3. Wikipedia__ __"Will Richardson Talks About Wikipedia"__ -Goal: "be the sum of human knowledge online" -Problem: errors, vandalism, lies -Studies: most accurate of sources (mostly because it is the most current) -Writing: too many people trying to write one document -My reaction: I agree with his contention that Wikipedia is a good starting point for student research. A problem occurs, however, when students do not go any further than Wikipedia in their research. At my school, the Language Arts department had previously put a virtual ban on Wikipedia. They have since shifted to merely prohibiting using Wikipedia as a cited source. I also do not have a problem with students starting at Wikipedia, and I have the same apprehension that Will Richardson has; the quality and clarity of writing. One problem is the sheer number of editors for a given article, while another flaw is the quality of individual ability. Finally, while one sentence may be created to set up another thought, that particular idea may be deleted by a subsequent user, thus leaving the paragraph somewhat incoherent.

__Chris O'Neal Blog__ -My reaction: This gentleman seemed a bit too excited to use Wikipedia. Although I agree that it is not inherently an unreliable website, I feel that students in middle school have such a struggle drawing lines between value and superficial information, that Wikipedia is a very challenging forum for them.

__4. My New Wiki: The Fall of Rome__ -I decided to create a new wiki that I can use as we finish ancient Rome and begin our persuasive essay that compares the fall of Rome to a potential fall of the United States. This is a topic I have used in the past as a discussion item and an informal essay following our ancient Rome test. I have never used the topic as a formal persuasive essay. I am hopeful that the wiki will help make the assignment more manageable to plan and write. Additionally, if I can manage the collaboration aspect, I will attempt to use the wiki to provide a forum in which students can exchange meaninful thoughts and ideas. One reservation I have is that middle school student are prone to misuse of resources even with warnings or consequences. On the flip side, I never like taking away opportunities from the majority based upon the negative actions of the minority. -I am also going to attempt to create some educational videos in the Digital Storytelling class that I can embed into my wiki on the fall of Rome. This technology will help students review major concepts in a more interesting manner than re-reading their textbook. My goal is that the website and videos will provide a springboard from which students will brainstorm and build a collaborative environment where they learn from each other's valuable ideas.