Twenty-first century communication online includes e-mail, web logs (called blogging) and wikis. E-mail is more private and sent to specific users. Both blogs and wikis create interaction from readers which in many cases, equates to more quality responses and critical thinking skills from students. Students tend to respond well to having their writings / opinions published.
Blogs are more public and dynamic than e-mail. Blogs are online journals that can be created by teachers, special or common interest groups and businesses or newspapers, wishing to pose questions or news. They allow the reader to respond back immediately with a few words to a number of pages. The blog creator (administrator) sets up rights for bloggers to post their writings online immediately or after approval, depending on the settings. Bloggers cannot change postings – only the blog administrator.
Wikis are similar to blogs, but the wiki can be changed by approved users. For example, a wiki could be created to plan for a party and what needs to be brought. Approved users can go in and create lists, showing what each one is willing to bring. Students can work collaboratively to solve problems.
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