Wiki comparison

https://mrsowenswebsite.wikispaces.com/

As soon as you open this wiki it is very colorful and pleasing to the eye.  This particular wiki was put together by several teachers that helps guide parents on what they can work on at home with their child.   I particular love the page that is called “Parent Pointers”.  They have some great things that every parent should know.  All of the information given to parents in this wiki is so very important. 

 

http://hobbitalk.wikispaces.com/

This wiki is based on “The Hobbit”.   I really enjoyed exploring this particular wiki.  On the home page they have some very cool visuals that get you excited about the book itself.  The teacher makes this very exciting for students.  Some of the creative writing assignments are  a song for Bilbo, where the students come up with it on their own, interviews, and a bonus fun section.  You can tell from the writing that is present that the students are actively engaged in the assignment and take pride in their work. 

I feel that both of this wikis are really great.  The difference between these two tools is one is used for students and the other is for parents.  I feel that they are both extremely important and helpful.  For younger students, like me, it is hard to use certain technologies on a daily basis.  I love how this particular school is using it to reach out to the parents. 

Expectations

I am so excited about this class for several different reasons. I am excited to try new and different things, like the blog, and be able to use them in the classroom.  I am hoping that everything we learn in the upcoming weeks can be used in a kindergarten classroom.  One of the challenges that I have encountered is not being able to use it in the classroom.  One way that I have incorporated my ideas is by using my class webpage, http://mrssmithsthinktank.webs.com/, that has homework forums.  The students to the assignments at home with their parent.  

About Me

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Ryan, since 2006 and we have a 3 year old daughter.  I have been teaching Kindergarten since 2006.  I am currently working on my masters in educational technology.  I expect to be done in the summer of 2014:)

If anyone can help me to figure out how to get my profile info under my picture I would really appreciate it:)  I have been working all morning on trying to figure it out and can't get it.