Less than ten weeks ago I sat in a staff meeting listening to our Deputy Headmaster extol the virtues of wikis, nings, blogs and pods. As I left the meeting I asked the person beside me if they had any idea what he was talking about. Their look of befuddlement mirrored mine. Now ... ten weeks later, with a mental attitude on par with the weight loss on Biggest Loser, I think I have done some serious learning!
Education derives from the Latin "in ducare" - to lead into. It is a relational process that begins and journeys through a variety of experiences to end at a point where a discernible difference can be appreciated. In other words, learning is a movement from one place to another. We hope it is a better place.
Wikis are an opportunity for collaborative learning that allow participants a considerable degree of creativity in creating and sharing learning. Their place in the classroom will grow. I have experimented with Google.docs and discovered it a useful tool for putting a group document together on St Paul for 2 Unit SOR. Nings provided teachers or like-minded individuals with a forum for sharing and working together on common interests.
How would I use wikis in the classroom? As I read the information on the wiki and had a look at several sites, I thought I could try using the wiki with my Year 12 SOR class for the topic "Religion and Peace". I could give each student one of the Syllabus dot-points and ask him to begin gathering information on that point to be used by all members of the class. At the end of the exercise the boys would have effectively created their own resources and notes, it would be online and immediately accessible.
I am won to the wiki!
Paul without getting too emotional, I consider this moment in reading your modules and final reflection to be a special moment. To see a fellow educator who was prepared to face this enormous challenge and to evolve into a skilful elearner is truly inspirational. You are the ultimate professional and what you have achieved is fantastic and an illustration what leadership means by getting your hands dirty and defying the odds. Congratulations and thanks for your support. John
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