Wikipedia and Classmaker

Wikipedia is the first thing that pops up when you search for something on google. This site provides information on almost any topic and it updated all the time. I have to say that I do use this site from time to time but not without using my other research at the same time. As this information can be updated by anyone in the public the user has to be weary of its contents. Wikipedia can be used in the classroom while students themselves are researching a topic. Although students will need to be made aware that this information can be updated at any time by anyone so there will need to be scaffolding to show the students that the information they get from this site will have to be critically analyses (Blooms) with the other information they have researched.

Classmaker is a site where you can create online quizzes on any topic. This site I had never heard of before but think it is a fantastic site and can be utilised in the classroom. This site allows the learning manager to turn boring quizzes/test into an exciting online experience. Weather it be to find out what students already know about a topic of to test them at the end of a unit. This allows students to take a quiz/test in a format that they are interested and engaged in. The learning manager can also provide all the resources that they students need to complete the test and add them to a folder. This can also be used in the classroom for students to create their own quizzes weather for maths, science or SOSE lessons or for gathering information for an assignment. This site, when used by the students, can facilitate critical and self regulated thinking (Marzano & Pickering, 1997), they are posing questions and engaging in collaboration and authentic tasks.

When effectively scaffolded and utilised in the classroom both of these sites can effectively engage students in the teaching and learning that is taking place.

My Curious Dangerous Mind

References:

• Blooms (2007)
• Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved August 4, 2009. from: http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
• Marzano, R. J, & Pickering, D. J. (1997). Dimensions of Learning: Teachers Manual. Aurora, Colorado, United States of America: Mid-continent Educational Laboratory.
• McInerney, D., & McInerney, V. (2002). Educational psychology: Constructing learning. Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Education.
• Oliver, R. (1999). Exploring strategies for online teaching and learning. Distance Education 20(2), p.240-254
• Ten Principles to Active Learning (http://www.idecorp.com/teacher/documents/dowling_002.pdf)
• The State of Queensland (Department of Education). (2002). Productive Pedagogies: Classroom reflection manual. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from: http://education.qld.gov.au/public_media/reports curriculum-framework/productive-pedagogies/