Weekly Report & Reflection blog post #8

Image - http://uwstoutinnovations.wikispaces.com/file/view/wiki.gif/81914965/484x335/wiki.gif

Session number eight focused on exploring wikis and creating diagrams related to digital rights and responsibilities using brainstorming web tools with the option of  Bubbl.us or Popplet. Through my exploration, I learned that a wiki is a website that allows for collaborative editing or modifications of its content and structure amongst users, essentially, wikis are anything individuals and groups would like for it to be. These tools fit into the collaborative section of my PLE and aid in my learning because it supports my PLE by allowing me to learn not just on my own but with others, to learn to work together, and to help each other by practicing the number one rule for collaborative work, communication. I think next to Google Docs, wikis are the next best because it is a website that promotes meaningful topic connections, it seeks to involve all visitors in the ongoing process of creation by making its page(s) easy to use and understand.

Additionally, as stated from the K12 Learning 2.0 discovery activity, wikis encourage shared knowledge construction and growth over time, as they are often built and edited by many users at once. I can use a wiki for publishing, organizing, and sharing virtually any kind of information - professional, creative or academic. Implemented effectively, wikis can enable students to take responsibility for learning outcomes, plan and make decisions, work together, publish to an audience beyond the classroom and, perhaps most importantly, teach others.

Image - http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/ddi/media/Digital%20Citizenship/PublishingImages/digital-rights.gif

Furthermore, following the exploration of wikis, week 8 continued with using wikis to identify issues of digital rights and responsibilities. Through this activity, what I learned about becoming a digital citizen and the rights and responsibilities of living in a digital society, was that both appropriate and acceptable use of the internet is something that applies to students and teachers. We as active users must evaluate the resources we use the internet for and use them appropriately. Educators should also model appropriate use for students and monitor the activities that take place whilst students learn online. I also learned that most schools have Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) - "a document stipulating constraints and practices that a user must agree to for access to a corporate network or the Internet."
This weeks session on digital rights and responsibilities outlines the safe practices, expectations and etiquette for using digital media/ technology within personal and academic environments.

This week on my Feedly reader I came across an article on the InnovativeEducator blog site titled Technology: Powerful Weapon or Greatest Foe? since this weeks focus was on becoming digital citizens and using technology appropriately, I thought this blog post was suitable for this weeks topic. In the article, author Lisa Nielson aims to educate teachers on technology and it's ability to be beneficial for students but also harmful if not directing/ promoting safe and appropriate use. Additionally, Nielson includes another blog of hers that outlines the 10 best ways to improve online learning. Check it out and become positive digital citizens!