Thing 9-Wiki Wiki Wiki

(Photo by Kable) Wait a second! On the sites that I read, the terms "quick and easy" were used to describe Wikis. I beg to differ. This task was challenging, but I seemed to have figured it out. I think.

At first, I could not figure out the difference between a blog and a wiki. I read a Wiki by tneufield.wikis.hsd.ca, which seemed more like a blog to me. There were a couple pages that described projects that the students did. For instance, they made musical instruments, whereas a couple pictures of the finished products were placed on the wiki. I would have liked to read about the directions, materials used, and students' thoughts on the project.

I then found another wiki on Wiki Spaces, which answered my question between the difference between a wiki and a blog. The site is called "5-8 Grade Math Ideas." The beginning of the wiki spelled out the differences. A web log (blog) contains posts by the author, whereas readers can only post comments on the subject material of the post. On the other hand, a wiki allows for change, whereas the 'post' is a collaborative effort. The readers can add and change information on the wiki. The "5-8 Grade Math Ideas" Wikispace wiki was well done. Many teachers offered successful activities done with students, url's for excellent Web-sites, and even educational questions were posed.

The last wiki I viewed was impressed. The dedication and pride in the students shown through the organization and thoroughness of their work. The students at westwood.wikispaces.com included excellent descriptions and links to explain all information. Because of the students, I now understand the term "virtual communication." It pertains to connecting with anyone around the world using the Internet to make phone calls, instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing.

Through my readings about wiki and viewing many of them, I have decided that I'd like to create a wiki for my beginning band students. The wiki would contain information to reinforce concepts learned in class, practice tips, techniques to learning difficult passages, concert critiques, and much more.