Wikis, Widgets, and Web Based Lessons

Wiki

http://desbuffalo.wikispaces.com/home

The wiki above is one that is very similar to one that I would create for my class one day. The wiki’s home page displays the classroom values which are the “5 C’s: Care, Celebrate, Collaborate, Contribute, and Cooperate.” The wiki’s creator, Mrs. Koopman, gives the appropriate definitions of each of the “5 C’s” for the class and her wiki is extremely user friendly. The home page lists several questions about wikis, followed by answers to these questions so that students can have a clear understanding of what a “wiki” is and how it can be beneficial in the classroom. Also, the wiki has a “News” section where students can share their thoughts and discuss what they have been learning in class. Another feature included in this wiki is a “Student Wiki Discussion” section, which gives students the opportunity to share thoughts amongst their peers about a topic. I love everything this wiki has to offer!

Widget #1

I would use this widget, Quizlet, with my 5^th grade students while learning about the American Revolution. I could display the flashcards on the screen for the students, and easily click through the key terms as the class reads the definitions aloud as a whole. This widget is simple to use and allows the students to interactively learn important terms!

Widget #2

I would use this widget, YouTube, with my students while learning about the 13 original colonies and the American Revolution. The video is a rap with music that would grab the students’ attention and I believe they would enjoy it! I would use this widget to search for videos about the topics I am currently teaching my students to be able to provide another option for learning!

Web-based lesson

http://www.madsci.org/

The Mad Sci Network site gives students the ability to ask experts questions and gain access to credible information at the click of a mouse. This site falls into the category of electronic mentoring for students as far as the type of “web based activity.” MadSci has an easily accessible toolbar on the left hand side of the web page that can navigate students to their wanted destination. MadSci answers common questions in their MAD FAQS section like “Why is the sky blue?” and any other questions that students may have. The webpage is appealing to students and the teacher can direct students to a site like MadSci to gain trustworthy answers to everyday science questions!