Wiki Wonderland

Recently in TPTE, we have embarked on the subject of wikis.  At first, I didn't think I knew much about wikis - but it turns out I have used one on just about every research project I have ever done (just don't tell my other professors).  Wikipedia is a wiki that is used with an incredibly high frequency.  What makes this site a wiki?  It is quite simple.  It is that anyone with access to the internet has access to editing the site.  If you are an expert on, let's say flamingos, you can edit the flamingo page and bestow your personal knowledge to all future readers of that same page.  It is really a brilliant system, as long as it is used correctly.  My instructor used a great video to explain how a wiki works.  Click here to check it out.

I am most excited about using wikis in my classroom for choir collaboration.  I think it will be so helpful to be able to have a wiki dedicated to the musical.  You could have pages for props, scenery, costumes, rehearsals, etc.  Then, the students and parents could edit the pages as new props were found or as rehearsal times changed.  I think it will be a great communication tool for my future choir department.

Here We Go!

Well, it's August, which means it is time to get the ball rolling for another school year.  My name is Jennifer Darden, and I am a senior at the University of Tennessee.  This is my final semester of course work before I begin student teaching in the Spring.  I am enrolled in TPTE 486 which is what this blog is all about.  It is a class that trains future teachers on integrating various forms of technology into their classrooms.  Although I am familiar with many of the programs and techniques we will be studying, I am looking forward to learning how to use these different programs more effectively, as well as being introduced to new technological options.  I am a music education major hoping to become a high school choir director.  As a choral program director, communication with students, parents, administrators, boosters, and the community is vital.  I am looking most forward to learning how to use a variety of informational venues to share news and goings on with the people who support the choir program.  With this blog, I will track my studies of technology through TPTE 486.  I hope the things I learn in this class will be beneficial to both my readers and myself.