Thing #15 - Wikis

I usually use Wikipedia as a quick reference if I need to know the basic information about a topic. I created my own wiki for my family to use as one way to keep in touch. I'm not done messing around with it, consider it a work in progress. I'm going to add to as time goes.

http://storming.wikispaces.com/

I think a wiki would be a good tool to use in my classroom. It could be used in a variety of ways whether it's on books that we're reading, breaking down the different types of literary conflicts, the types of literary devices, and so on. Having a hands on approach makes the lesson that more interesting and I believe students get more out something that actively participate in. I'm very excited about using this technique when I have my own classroom.

So I went on apsu23thingssandbox and went under Photos and Images. It was a little difficult adding content. First the network didn't recognize me, then I had no idea why I couldn't see my photo. I also wanted to write something about it, but I didn't know where I could do it. It'd be awesome if it was a little more user friendly. However, I'm not surprised because most things I first attempt are slightly difficult.


I and added an image I created from http://www.signgenerator.org/thumbs.htm. I choose to do add to this section because it something that I firmly and whole heatedly believe in. It is of the American flag and the Statue of Liberty with a saying on it "If you won't stand behind, them stand in front of them." It's simple yet powerful. I believe images and pictures are two of the most powerful tools an individual can use. They invoke many emotions are get so many responses. I think it's something that should be brought to students' attentions. This approach can be used in every classroom regardless of the subject. They are UNIVERSAL TOOLS. How often can a person say that about something. When dealing with pictures it doesn't matter what language you speak, where you come from, what you think, or what you believe. No matter what a picture will get some response, even if they response is indifference. I really believe in the phrase, "a picture is worth a thousand words." How could in not be. We are all coming from a different place with a variety of experiences and no one will have the same response. Although it may all fit into a specific category it will always mean something different and I think that's something that should be explored in classrooms across the world.