The term "wiki" already sounds like a fun word; like something out of a Will Smith song. But I like to think of it similar to the sound effect of turntable scratching! And, in a way (a far cry way), it is similar to the scratching and mixing of voices and sounds. People can come together anonymously to offer their informed (and, hopefully, accurate) opinion in a public-online fashion; and if it is not correct, someone else will edit it appropriately.
This collaborative experience offers more than blogs do and is fast becoming a solid-based resource. While wikipedia does have its problems with the occasional hooligan, Richardson notes that these occurrences are rare and quickly corrected. It is always reassuring to know there is a place where the good is outnumbering the vandals. Blogs are great sources still for seeing reflections, reactions, and biased-opinions; and I enjoy reading what others have to say or experience in their endeavors.
I would like to see where wikis can be included in a physical educational setting. I have read a couple postings from across the Atlantic that were intriguing. Mostly, they served as a review or compilation of facts on a sport or health-related theme. I think this could be a great activity and source of info for upper elementary but more so for the middle and high school crowds; especially in a health course where students usually spend at least one quarter per year. I could see my students getting involved in such an activity (time-permitting) as a culminating project of our physical education experience - similar to what we are performing in class. I think it would give a definite sense of ownership and an authoritative confidence of their respective material. Is anyone out there already attempting wikis with their classes? I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and ideas.
"Don't mess with us cuz we're in the (Wild Wild West), Wiki-wiki-wild." - Will Smith
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Great minds think alike! (and so do ours...haha!) It seems that since we both thought of this similar idea for use in a P.E. setting, that it could be very successful if implemented. Our challenge might be getting use of computers on a regular basis...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I have to tell you that I am laughing at your analogy! So true, though--the mixing and scratching is like a wiki because all voices become one. I wonder if you could use wikis in your PE class to have students do research on a sport, athlete, or technique. The students could even use what they've learned in class to edit anything they discover needs to be. If you'd want them to be even more active as authors of a wiki, you could have them upload podcasts of appropriate form for techniques in a sport/unit you're teaching. Just thinking out loud again...
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