Potential of Wikis and Blogs for teachers

Wiki:

Wiki's are an online space where students\teachers can edit and modify information they or others submit. This could be a very effective tool used to collaborate group discussion.
The potential positives and negatives are outlined in the PMI below.

Wiki PMI:

Positive	Minus	Implications\Interesting
- Images\video (extra info) can be added to make a point clear in different ways. -Could be great for homework (easy to take home) -Post new and updated information allowing users to update their information. - Great to keep track of what has been achieved	- Gives the chance for students to copy others without researching or problem solving by themselves. - Post un-edited information\comments -influenced by comments - Saving errors occur if used by multiple users at the same time. -Supports collaboration	- The use of extra imbedded information (i.e. videos, diagrams, pics) can assist the learners and help make a topic clearer. -Informal style of learning. -To use a wiki, the guests must be trusted.

 
 Blogs:
After doing a little research on Blog's, particularly on the following website http://www.onlineclasses.org/2010/12/08/100-seriously-cool-classroom-blogs-for-teaching-ideas-inspiration/, it has really opened my eyes to the opportunities they can create.
A great blog I found was from a teacher in Perth, who has a class Blog in which major activities are posted, this can give the students a lot of ownership over content and activities they completed, check it out http://thesmarties2.blogspot.com.au/. This is used more as a diary entry which is great to keep track of achievements throughout the year.

A particular example you could use a blog would be in a science setting. For example, the class could look at growing a plant, students could document, photograph, analyse, research, predict, draw stages of the plant and post up to date information of the growth. This could be done in small groups to compare to others.

Outside of learning, this could be used as a portal for teachers to interact and share information with parents, so parents can see what activities the children have been doing in class on a daily\weekly basis. Teachers could also share information, i.e. permission forms, upcoming events, volunteer schedules to name a few.

Blog PMI:

Positive	Minus	Implications\Interesting
-Pictures and other media can be embedded making for clearer learning          -Learner orientated           -Student can comment on topics                               -Showcase to greater audience (worldwide)                      -Independent learning  -No cost	-Comments are displayed without filter and have the possibility to be negatively aimed towards others users.                                  -It is not collaborative -Malfunctions can occur, such as internet connections (especially in more remote areas) during a lesson.	-Can share information outside of the classroom                              -Students work can be easily accessed. -Students can take pride in their work and show more people. -Reduces the amount of resources used (ie paper, pens, paint).  -New posts are ordered chronologically