Blogs and Wikis in Education

1.) Blogs and wikis are fun and useful tools to engage students in thier own learing process. There are several ways in which blogs and wikis can be incorporated in K-12 classrooms, such as posting presentations instead of using the common powerpoint presentation or poster boards. Studnets can present thier information in a new and innovative manner. Blogs and wikis can also be used in the classroom for peer review and editing activities. Students can post papers on thier blog or wiki sites, allowing other students and/or the teacher to comment on the studnet's work by providing feedback on various aspects of the paper. Another interseting way that blogs and wikis can be incorporated into the classroom is by having mock debates on the sites. Students can work in groups or individually to debate with other classmates regarding certian issues. This is a fun and interactive way for stuednts to voice thier opinions without actaully speaking duirng class.

2.) Aggregators, whoch are used to organize a variety of web feeds, can be incorporated into the classroom in a variety of differnet ways. A useful way is by downloading media files which can present information to students in a nontradtional manner that may help visual and auditory learners. Aggregators provide fast access to RSS content and serve as an electronic way to obtain information on the web.

3.) There are numerous pros and cons of using blogs and wikis in an educational setting. Some of the pros include, allowing students to openly communicate with one another in a manner that can improve typing and writing skills. Blogs and wikis allow quit and shy stuednts to have an active role in class discussions. Another benefit of using blogs and wikis is that its an electronic tool that is free to use and can improve stuednts computer and technology abilities in a fun manner. Cons of incorporating blogs and wikis in the classroom include several challenges teachers may face such as keeping the material updated and organized in a way that is easy for the studnets to access. Students may begin to explore other social networking sites that are inappropriate. Some students may have poor computer skills and using blogs or wikis may make them feel inadequate, however using blogs and wikis provide students a way to improve thier computing skills.

Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom

1.) There are several multiple intelligences that I have strength in, the most prominent being Interperosnal and Naturalist. The core characteristics of Interpersonal intelligence are collaborative skills, coopeartive attitude, leadership, social influence, social empathy, and social connection. The core characteristics which best describe my personal learning style are collaborative skills and leadership. I work very well with others and enjoy completing tasks in a group setting. Throughout my high school and college career I have served in various leadership roles and find benefit in leading and heping others.

2.) Students with an interpersonal intelligence seek support from others, thus like working in a group environment. Students also find value in relationships and enjoy working collaboratively. Many students with this particular type of intelligence portray a competative personality and take part in many leadership roles.

3.) There are various ways in which teachers can support this type of intelligence within the classroom, such as promoting student interactions during lessons and activities, to help increase social skills. Teachers can provide students with opportunities to select thier own groups and incorportate some type of competion to promtre higher achievement. Teachers can also work together and create activities with other classrooms to help increase the different types of interactions students encounter.

4.) Technologies that stimulate interpersonal intelligences include class discussions where students can talk together about the subject matter. Collaborative projects are also beneficial because they encourage studnet interaction and social connection. Other technologies that motivate this type of intelligence are message boards, walkie-talkies, and intercoms, all of which relate to social interactions as the mian means of learning.

5.) It is extremely important for teacher to be fully aware and understand the multiple intelligences in order to incorporate each intelligence into the classroom. Teachers need to ensure that each student is in an environment that relates to thier particular learning style and are supported in that area. Students need to feel motivated to learn in a way that works best for thier learning style, teachers can achieve this by making lessons and activiltes applicable to all intelligences.