A blog is more of a personal journal where the author can
share ideas that are organized in chronological format. Blogs allow for the
author to reflect their unique perspective. Although more than one author could
be authorized to add posts on a blog it does not allow the same kind of editing
that a wiki does. Wikis is more of a Web site that is open to any user that is
given access where the Web page becomes a document that the users can edit.
Wikis are best for group projects. I think both of these add to motivate
students to share ideas and improve writing skills. They are able to reflect
not only on what the teacher is sharing but what their peers are posting.
Because being online is a skill set that is present today these tools are great
to create more in-depth learners. Both of these tools are a way to keep parents
updated as well.
One challenge with a blog is that the readers may not be consistent in checking the updates of posts or comments. A challenge with a wiki is having students erase another student’s work and not respecting the boundaries of co creating a Web site.
To start using these tools, teachers would need knowledge of
how to set them up and how they work and find a site that works best for them. To
begin using these tools a teacher would need to clearly define the boundaries
and expectations of the purpose of using a blog or wiki.
