Week 7

As part of our assignment and in class work, Wikispaces is a collaborative environment that allows for various users to interface their ideas into the web page. I had not previously known that Wikipedia could be changed and edited by outside users. I like this idea of a collaborative community. In my eyes, the idea that the facts can be changed and update makes the source seem somewhat more relevant or credible, even though that is not always the case. Using Wikispaces to discuss policies for effective Speech classes is an enjoyable assignment because I like working with someone else interested in my field and to be able to explore their ideas as well as mine. Being able to have discussions through the website and to see the changes that someone else makes to your work can move the information and thought processes further. As much as I do not really enjoy group work, collaborating to create this and being able to edit in once place, rather than swapping information back and forth, is much easier and interesting. There are three levels of sites on Wikispaces, one that anyone can join and change, protected-where only members can change but everyone can see. Lastly, there is private where a fee is charged every month for privacy and protection of the space.
In the reading on having computers in classrooms, I learned that there are ways to work with having access to just one computer in the classroom as well as just a computer lab. It is the job of the teacher to make every student feel included in their use of the computer and that it is not a "special" privilege to use them, but rather an integral part of the classroom. Placing computers in open areas that are inviting will encourage students. Also, the article discusses how teachers need to improve on their own skills with technology to better be able to present it to their students. Allowing students to create their own publishing's rather than just using the same software will also broaden their abilities. The Digital Divide is discussed as a real problem but with solutions and options that teachers have to help with their lack of resources and funding can still make a technological difference in the classroom, persistence is part of the solution.