The Role of Wikis and Websites in the Classroom

For this activity, I looked at a wiki that I had previously made. To see this wiki click on the following link: https://sites.google.com/site/differentperspectiveswebquest/home

The webquest was created as an engaging tool to teach children about different perspectives  on how European Settlement affected Australia’s Indigenous population.

I have decided to use SWOT analysis as a thinking tool to look at using wikis as different perspectives. I looked at:

Strengths:

·        A website is a great way to engage children by reaching them through other media

·        Websites can be interactive, and many websites directed to students can have educational games.

·        Children can access new and up to date information.

·        They can develop IT skills which will be valuable to for future jobs.

·        Students can work together on school projects using a wiki. They can also have online penpals.

·        Websites can be used for research.

·         

Weaknesses:

·        Students need to be in front of a computer when following a task. This can be difficult as students do not always have access computers all the time.

·        Technology can break.

·        There are many distractions.

Opportunities:

·        Wikis can create further opportunities to spread information.

Threats:

·        When using websites, the teachers must be wary of children going to innapropriate sites

·        The teacher must also be careful about entering too much information about their students.