Blog #7: Wikispaces

Definition: "Any collaborative website that users can easily modify via the web, typically without restriction. A wiki allows anyone, using a web browser, to edit, delete or modify content that has been placed on the site, including the work of other authors. This has been found to work surprisingly well since contributors tend to be more numerous and persistent than vandals and old versions of pages are always available. Text is entered using a simple mark-up language which is then rendered as HTML. A feature common to many of the different implementations is that any word in mixed case LikeThis is automatically turned into a link to a page of that name, which may or may not exist (similar to the linking in this dictionary). In contrast, a web log, (blog) typically authored by an individual, does not allow visitors to change the original posted material, only add comments. Wiki wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian. The first wiki was created by Ward Cunningham in 1995" (www.dictionary.reference.com/browse/wiki). In using the website www.wikispaces.com , I am a participating in the creation of a website where two of my fellow classmates and I can enter the website individually and make our own edits. Through wiki spaces we are able to have online discussions and add content to the website individually. This is a very convenient tool for teachers to use in the classroom because it allows students to participate mutually in the creation of a website thus, engaging students in utilizing this type of technology. As a teacher, one can create their own website through this website that can be accessed by anyone if posted as public. Other options can be chosen such as protected and private; these options allow you to control who you allow to view your site.
In reading "Building the Digital Divide A Building Block for Teachers" By Colleen Swain and Tamara Pearson, I learned about the digital divide problem of the " significant difference in the access to and equity of technology experience based on categories such as income, race, gender, location and education." The digital divide problem is rooted in "the need for more funding and the creation of ideal learning environments". This article discusses the initial steps all teachers can make toward finding solutions for this problem; self evaluation. The first step toward a solution calls for teachers to recognize issues of technology such as location, teacher training, resource availability, etc... within their classrooms and schools. Regarding the issue of placement and how classrooms are used within the classroom concerns primarily the teacher. It is up to the teacher to allow student access to computers throughout the day to create technology as a seemingly natural part of the learning process. In a classroom where computers are limited, this can be done successfully by creating "computer station" where each computer is surrounded by a few chairs so more than just one student may have access at a time. It is important for school administrators to recognize the importance and significance of providing students access to school computers before, during and, after school, as opposed to locking computer labs up except when specific use is authorized. This can be possible through Parent volunteer supervision and the issue of funding can be addressed through grants, vending machine sales, Parent-Teacher Organizations, and the like. Another way teachers can address the digital divide is through software inspection. Software is often used in a limited manner for the student. Where one software will be introduced by a teacher for all student, different types of software will reach more students than just one type (different learning preferences). Also, utilizing only one software does not give the student the opportunity to learn the many types and usages of software. Software Resources may be found on the web, which may help teachers broaden the choices of software by not having to purchase them. In order to begin the process as discussed above, teachers need to start with self reflection of how technology is being used in their classroom and how it can be use more productively toward diminishing the digital divide.