Google Docs Vs. Wiki

The similarities and differences between Google Docs and Wikis:
With Google Docs, the user can upload and convert Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML, text (.txt), open Office files, or create documents from scratch, format documents, invite others to edit or view your documents and collaborate online in real time and chat with other collaborators. You can also work with spreadsheets and presentations in Google docs.
The Wikipedia definition of a wiki is website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users. Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note services. The software can also be used for personal note taking.

Google Docs and Wiki’s are basically the same except for one important difference, that being that Google Docs allows you to collaborate in real time, whereas a Wiki will not allow you to work at the same time that someone else is working in it.

1. How can Google Docs be used in School Improvement Efforts, Curriculum Writing and/or classroom applications?
Google Doc can be used effectively in the School Improvement process. It can be used to survey staff on the different items being asked in the school improvement process and to collect data. It can be used by the staff to collaborate on ideas for bringing the plan together. Google Docs could be used for curriculum writing or in the classroom in the same manner.

2.What foundational skill set would be required before moving forward with this?
Teachers obviously would have to be trained on the use of Google Docs and be willing to use it for it to be effective.

3. I would basically use Google to post assignments, timelines, countdowns, etc

Creating My Wiki

Creating my first wiki was an exercise in patience. I consider myself tech savvy but this was a bit challenging. I look forward to the challenge of getting it up and running smoothly. Suggestions always welcomed.

What's a WIKI?

What’s a WIKI?
Last week I created my first blog and I was excited and I could not wait to continue to explore the uses and ways to make my site more appealing. I thought about using it as a tool for my teachers, especially the ones new to teaching. This week, I was introduced to wiki’s, I can’t contain myself. Wiki’s are different from blogs in that with a blog, you are giving information and receiving feedback. With wiki’s you are sharing information and more information can be added or edited. I am looking forward to showing my teachers how to use it to make the classroom more exciting. Technology is WONDERFUL. With all I am learning, I am beginning to want to return to the classroom to share this with my students. Well, maybe not. I will share this knowledge with my colleagues though.

I think that wikis will be a great tool for teachers and students. Teachers can use wiki’s to get a discussion started and keep it going, or to post Math questions and have students work out the answers, just to name two uses. It is a great way to share information and the added feature of being able to edit is a bonus. I would love to see all of my teachers using wiki’s in the classroom and interacting with their students and parents using this collaborative tool.

The only downfall that I can see is the possibility of students deleting another student’s work or stealing another student’s work. I am hoping that the benefits will outweigh negatives.

You did it!!!

It will get easier and easier :D  And just when you feel comfortable, they will switch something on you....lol.  But you did it and that's half the battle!! 
It's exciting to watch so many people out of their comfort zone.  What a cool journey we are on!  No wonder everyone wanted to get in the class ;)

Good Job!

I have found the more I learn the less I feel I really know ...

Linda

Will I Ever Learn?

Okay, so this was not easy. I have never created a blog before. I was a little intimidated and kept coming back. I think that once I find my stride I will become an avid blogger. (Can't wait to get there.) For now I will muddle through. I like the idea of blogging and I am hoping that I can get good enough to create on for my department next year.