Back To Blogs For A Sec

This past week we had our faculty meeting with one s member from the Superintendent's office to discuss any issues with upcoming school year. During her visit she had mentioned that her office was looking for ways to better serve their employees and keep the lines of communication open. I was amazed when she stated that many had mentioned the idea of setting up a blog. What was even more surprising was to see many agree with this idea. A month ago I barely knew what a blog was and had little interest in one for that matter. But I can see them becoming more and more popular forms of communication. It seems that it would make sense to have a blog for a purpose like this because I am sure they are fielding the same questions over and over on a daily basis about budget issues. This way they could post an answer for all to see! Not a sermon..just a thought (to quote Lon Soloman).

Wiki Wiki What??

So, the challenge for this week is to think about how wikis could be used in my classroom. Immediately I thought of using a wiki to showcase student artwork; a portfolio of sorts. Then, I though that may be more than what I would want to get into with taking pictures, scanning, and uploading pictures. Don't get me wrong I think this would be an innovative way to archive student artwork but it really does not interest me at this time. So, next I thought it would be great to have groups research an artist and contribute to the wiki with new information each week. I would set up a guide with prompts so the students would know what things to look for. I would have them insert links to references used and images that apply. To take the use of the wikis further, students in lower grades could be given an assignment of having to search the student made wikis, learn about an artist, and apply it to a group activity like...make a brochure about a particular artist. That way the older students would be the creators and editors of the wiki and the younger students would be the users of the wiki. I think I may have my idea for my wiki lesson plan :)

Wondering about ideas of how to use wikis in your classroom?? Check out the site below

http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/page/Wikis+in+the+Classroom?t=anon

Blogs On The Brain

The more I think about using blogs the more I think it would be kind of nice to have blogs available for teachers as a reference to what techniques others are using in their classrooms. There have been many times where I am lost for ideas or stuck in a rut. It would be nice not to have to go to my email list and choose another Art teacher to pest for help. It would be extremely helpful to just have a blog of tried and true tricks, tip, and lessons to go to for inspiration. This would also work in the reverse. If I have discovered something that I think others could benefit from, I could post it on the blog. I think it could be an excellent way in keeping the lines of communication among educators; especially when you are the only one in that subject area in you school!