Thing 22: Create a Wiki

In your blog post be sure to include the link to your wiki. Then discuss your feelings about using a wiki. How does a wiki differ from a blog? When is one more appropriate to use than the other?

Here is the link to my wiki:
http://mrsrichardsclass.wikispaces.com/

The wiki was very easy to create. I would like to use this wiki as a place where students could have discussions about their assignments by asking questions and providing feedback for each other. I am concerned that middle school students would succumb to temptation and not use it appropriately. I almost think a blog would be a better option for discussions. When using a wiki, participants can change or even delete someone else’s work. That would not happen in a blog.

In my building two teachers have used wikis with students. The first teacher uses it to post assignments and announcements. He is the only one who can edit it. The students can only view it. He uses it more like a webpage. It’s much easier to set up and maintain than a webpage so I understand why he uses it in this manner. I don’t believe it’s what wikis were designed for but if it works for his purpose then why not? The other teacher used it during class and students were supposed to have a discussion based on a recent science lab. The students misused it, harassed other participants, and changed their answers. Several detentions were issued. I am hesitant to use wikis that students are able to edit.