EDUC639R

Wikis, Blogs, and Listservs are all frameworks of communication that have been introduced in class today.   I think that the above tools will provide an excellent forum for teachers, students, and parents to communicate.  But how can I integrate these tools into the curriculum?  The following are few ideas on how I can effectively incorporate the new technology introduced during day one:
Wikis:  Teachers can easily store and edit information; stored information allows students easy access to class documents.  Students can use the wiki as an organizational tool for a paper or other assignments.  Teachers can also provide feedback that enable students to reach higher levels of thinking.
Listservs:  One way to use Listservs is by encouraging students to send questions to participants. There is usually a subscriber who knows the answer or knows where to find the answer.  In addition, Listservs could be used to conduct department meetings.  This will allow teachers to be involve in the meeting without leaving the classroom.  It is also a great tool to convey good practices or concerns that take place during the day.  Endless possibilities are offered for person-to-person connections: between researchers with similar interests/questions or teachers in similar situations.
Blogs:  Teachers can use blogs to inform students of class requirements, post handouts, notices, and homework assignments, or act as a question and answer board.  Blogs also provide a space where teachers and students can advance writing or other skills with the benefit of an instant audience.  Teachers can offer instructional tips and students can practice and profit from peer review.  Moreover, blogs make online mentoring and cooperative learning possible.  A class blog also opens the opportunity for students to discuss topics outside of the classroom.  Blogs are also great for teacher and student reflection of daily happenings.