Tech-Saavy Classroom

With the help of Web 2.0, also known as the read/write Web, it has become possible for students and teachers to collaborate on the creation of meaningful content to be shared with parents and the community. Now, following the advent of numerous useful online tools, only one question remains; which web tool will create the most benefit for the classroom?

Tom Wolsey, educator and Suite101 contributor, provides a discussion on three of the most popular tools available to teachers: wikis, blogs, and threaded discussion boards. While similar in nature, each tool has unique features that should be explored and matched to classroom needs. A quick overview:
Blogs
- Bulk of content posted by single person or small group
- Allows for the sharing of links, feeds, writing, images, and video
- Comment feature allows visitors to share ideas and observations
- Public

Wiki
- Content is composed through group collaboration
- Pertains to a specific project or group of projects
- Discussion tab allows for collaborators to share ideas and observations
- Public or closed

Threaded Discussion
- Large group of people providing content
- Users can leave comments or trade observations
- Public or closed network (i.e. course management system)

Online Tools for Classrooms: Using Wikis, Blogs, and Threaded Discussions in the Classroom

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