Reflection and questions: Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts by Will Richardson

          Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms written by Will Richardson is a great learning tool for educators.  Will Richardson discusses and explains how new technologies can promote collaboration in many different subjects.  On page 5, Richardson highlights many valid and interesting topics for educators to ponder.  First he questions how and when will the curriculum be modified for the students who pose the ability to communicate with individuals outside the classroom.  The second most important topic addressed involves educators being aware of the available technology for them to implement into their lessons.  Both of these topics are in desperate need to be introduced and used successfully.  Students are our world’s future leaders and with the help of technology we can create strong dynamic leaders. 

            Some of the topics discussed in Richardson’s book are weblogs, wikis, real simple syndication, aggregators, social bookmarking, online photo galleries, and audio/video-casting.  On page 9, Richardson discusses that weblogs can be used as a great tool for students because teachers can continue to edit their work even after class.  Some concerns and questions relating to this topic are:

1.     How can the teacher be sure that the students will not use inappropriate language on the weblogs?

2.     Is there a way to have only certain students be part of one weblog?  For example: If I want my English 1 class to communicate with only one particular English class in California, how can I be sure that no one else has the ability to comment, edit, or post? 

Wikis is the second topic you mentioned on page 9.  I believe wikis are more “controllable” than blogs, because you can put a block on who enters the wiki site.  This is extremely helpful because the teacher can monitor who enters the room, who is allowed to comment and post information, and who can view the page.  I have a few question concerning controls on wikis.

1.     Is it possible to have two or three different teachers, teaching different subjects, belong to the same wiki? 

2.     By doing this, would it make the wikis private only for these classes?

I am trying to create a discussion with another English teacher to collaborate about the common novels.  In our book, you discuss how students learn from other students.  I feel teachers also get ideas and lessons from other teachers.  If the teacher and the students were able to discuss ideas, reflections, and assessments the curriculum in every school would be greatly augmented. 

1.     Would it be possible for a teacher to join a private wiki with another teacher from a different district and just keep it between them?

2.      On page 65, you mention WetPaint monitoring the students participation.  Can you add multiple choice assessments to your wiki?  If so, can WetPaint grade the assessments and report a grade?