Tech Task #7

a) A wiki allows people to easily create a website with exactly what they want on it. It allows users to easily edit and link web pages. They are usually used to create a collaboration of websites. It is really simple to use and really simple to create.

b) Wikis could be used within the classroom to connect the world to your class and your class to the world. I would use a wiki to post a variety of websites that my classes could use to aid them with their math homework. I would have practice tests and quizes set up so that my students could practice on their math skills before a test or exam. I would make sure I posted the homework for each class, we have all forgotten to write down the assignment at some point. I would even keep a calendar with a list of important dates and reminders for each class. I would even have an area on my wiki for blogging. The students could ask their questions on the wiki and other students could respond to it and answer them. Students would also have a mark comprised of answering their peers on the wiki so that no question goes unanswered. When I am finished school I will be a secondary math teacher and I feel that a wiki would be very helpful for my students. And when my students are succeeding and learning, so am I, its a win-win situation.

Of the tools outlined in the wiki I choose voicethread.com as a very helpful classroom tool.

a)  Voicethread is a tool to create presentations using pictures, videos, and your own voice.  Basically you use your own voice clips to tell and explain a stroy based on the photo that is seen on the screen.  Students can upload photos from Flickr, Facebook or straight from your computer.  Then you can add your voice clips to each image and upload them to the site.  It is very quick and easy.

b)  Voicethread is a very helpful tool to be used within the classroom.  It can be used within each subject and grade level in some way.  For instance a grade three Language Arts class could each create their own story and bring it to life, where as a grade twelve biology class might use it to explain the process of mitosis.  This tool can also be used by the teacher as an aide to his or her lessons which would help explain the concept at hand to the class.  Without this tool students would only be able to create regular stories and this allows them to narrate and pause their own creations that they can eventually share with the world on the internet.  This goes beyond regular story telling because it allows students to also use their kinestetic and visual style of learning as well.  As a teacher I will surely use this tool within my classroom.