An Experience with Multimedia

Wikis. I've personally struggled with the concept of Wikis...not so much Wikipedia or its relatives, but with creating a Wiki myself. I've made it out to be a challenging and complex process. As a matter of fact, I really chuckled at the term, "Whackipedia" as I was feeling pretty whacked out trying to create a Wiki of my own. I think the number one reason is because I'm a design-oriented person and you don't have a great deal of layout freedom if you aren't versed in HTML coding/practices. BUT, after reading this chapter, I am sold regardless of my insecurities. I didn't realize the opportunities for students when involving them in this collaborative process.

In terms of Wikipedia, many teachers do stiffen at the thought of their students using it for research. I am excited to have gained some ammunition to the table and I think I could help my colleagues to respect what the Wikipedia really entails.

WIKIBOOKS!?!?!!?! Where have you been? I spend hours looking for online books that will supplement my English course work or that I can recommend to colleagues to support their curriculum. I spent just a few moments browsing this site - and I'm SOLD: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Basic_Writing/Invention. This is a basic English/Grammar book and has about anything a teacher would want to send students out for more information.

As with everything I'm picking up in my readings and throughout class, I need to organize my learning and set it up to be presented to my colleagues via in-service or even more informal ways that are less threatening. I've set up a professional development blog where I will add my in-service ideas/plans as I learn about the Web 2.0 tools myself. I am excited to be more of a resource to my peers in the years to come!