To wiki or not to wiki

Technology is moving a little too fast for me I think. When I looked at the course outline for this unit, I had no idea what any of the topics were. I use the internet a lot, and rely on it a lot but never really thought about the different components. I've never used wikipedia as a reliable source of information, I've been told and told and told again to look for 'peer-reviewed journals'. However, I do use it for my own entertainment. And funnily enough, I generally believe the information I've read. I think that is my problem, I don't know if I was ever taught critical literacy in school. Or if I was, I wasn't paying attention. It took four years of uni to drill into me that I should be critical of what I read, including textbooks. However it's a cynical world you live in if you are suspicious of everything you read, some would say I'm already there. On the other hand, verifying the information on a wikipedia page could be an interesting lesson in critical literacy for a class. In terms of creating a class wiki, I like the example of the class that, group by group, added the course content to a class wiki to help them study. I could definitely see using such an approach in a middle to late primary school class. Perhaps the wiki could begin with a set of basic 'facts' and the students have to use their research to validate and expand on these claims. I don't know if I would have the discussion forum, as the children will be doing the work in class. However, perhaps they can comment on eachother additions to the site.

On a side note, as the storm of today has proven, when it comes down to it all you can rely on are candles and matches. And perhaps a radio until the battery dies.

Ode to Google

Ode to Google

Oh Google how I love thee yes I do
My burden you do ease, my sorrow falls
I trust in life that you will guide me through
When I am lost you show me open doors
When life confounds you make it all so clear
I seek your wisdom and I plead my case
Without judgement you set my mind at ease
With you by my side I never need fear
All of the world’s knowledge I can embrace
And with that I may do as I shall please.

By SJ Driscoll

(Inspired by Simon's poem and constructed with the aid of Google and Wikipedia to find the formal structure of odes and iambic pentameter)

Several things should be clear by this poem. I heart google. My poetic ability is limited to one stanza. And I have no life.

Tales of a Twitter-Convert

I have been a facebook user for about three years but have resisted any other form of social media being reluctant to put myself out there on the world wide web. However, I recently joined twitter and have found myself using it almost as much as I use facebook (which is alot)! I am finding it to be a wonderful source of information. I am following several comedians, political commentators, satirists etc and as well as getting a dose of humour I am getting links to articles, blogs and videos that I would normally never have seen. It is a great way to get access to information outside of traditional media outlets, and information and points of view on topics I would never have considered. This evening, for example, I have received (is that the right word?) several tweets about MediaWatch and Q&A on ABC tonight so I will be tuning into those shows soon.

This I believe is one of the great advantages and drawbacks of Web 2.0. It's a world where everyone who has access to the internet (and is free from pesky censorship) has a voice. This can lead to a monumental amount of egocentric attention-seeking drivel but it also has the potential to give the disenfranchised a much needed voice. In the past the reach of this voice would have been limited by location and resources but in the world of the web their message can be propagated far and wide solely by the power of the masses. It's a dangerous world if ones access to news and current affairs is limited to what is controlled by media tycoons( such as the far-reaching Rupert Murdoch) and the only opinions heard are those with agendas, politicians and shock jocks. Web 2.0 allows for anyone to share their opinion (for better or worse) and to find support amongst likeminded individuals. Any medium that encourages creative expression and the pursuit of knowledge can only be a benefit in education. If children have access to the world at their fingertips, they can find people with shared interests and opinions, have their world view challenged and simply be entertained or informed. Idealistically, the child who feels outcast and like they don't belong will always find others who share their experience. As Kate mentioned in her blog, children can also get feedback and positive reinforcement on their artistic efforts posted on the net. How many times have we seen reported on the news the newest 'you tube sensation'?

Finally, my belief is that everyone has a story to tell. We may not all know (or ever know) what that story is or how to effectively share it but it's there. A medium that allows for this story to be shared can only lead to a richer experience for everyone.

Blogs in Education

I am very new to blogging and have been quite resistant to the blog-world. I believe a lot of blogs are written by people who have nothing of interest to say. However, I can definitely see the value in using blogs in education. I personally would consider setting up blogs for each student so that they can recount the events of the school day or week or what they got up to on the weekend and get fellow classmates or parents to comment. It would be a great way of teaching the children the art of the recount as well as encouraging them to always consider their audience when they write. I would worry, however, about privacy and would only use it if I could set up some sort of private group or a VLE with limited access for the students, parents and teacher only.