Fantastic website

www.arkive.org

I am working hard on my assignments still, extension and all, but had to share this website - it is amazing, and you realise just how amazing it is when you watch the promotional video. You also realise that is has great potential as an educational tool. I look forward to using it in the classroom, or helping/encouraging others to use it. It has received a positive evaluation from me for my ETL501 assignment.

Wikipedia

There has been some really interesting points made on the ETL501 forum about Wikipedia.

Personally, I support the use of Wikipedia - I would be a hypocrite if I did not. I refer to it on a regular basis if I need to quickly find out a piece of information. I do not however support its use as the sole source of information when it comes to important matters - and I think it should always be used with a degree of caution, and the awareness that it may not be correct. I believe teachers should have expectations of their students that Wikipedia can be used as a starting point, but multiple references are needed to support a fact or argument.

On the forum Chenelle suggested discussing Wikipedia with students carefully, looking at the following web page: 'Wikipedia: Researching with Wikipedia'. She also suggested the creation of a wiki as a class, so that students become aware of just how easy it is for people to change the information - I think these are both great ideas. Glad she is in my group for ETL504!

Pending assignment doom

Once again things are looking grim. Once again the lesson I am learning is to be more organised, have more self-discipline, and to keep on top of my studies early instead of leaving things until the last minute and then going into panic mode. Problem is, I don't seem to actually learn these lessons, as I find myself repeating the same mistakes. My intentions are good, but I don't seem to be able to implement them properly. We can always hope for next time I suppose. Well, plan for next time!

I have done a bit of reading this week, starting to get a more well rounded understanding of the things we are learning about in ETL504 TL as Leader. I just worked on the PowerPoint for a while, and can see myself getting that done tomorrow. Problem is I also need to get part B of that assignment, as well as ALL my readings for ETL501 Information Environment done and Assigment 1 for that subject completed - all by Friday morning (when I'm going away to return Monday morning...). Four days (minus SES meeting, and tutoring including planning). It's times like this I am glad I do not have a full time job and have a supportive boyfriend who is willing to support me at these times - encourages me to focus on my studies and not worry about work if I need extra time for assignments.

Off topic... Okay, I will get a good night's sleep, get up early tomorrow and knuckle down all day. I will also blog about the things I have been learning in my readings tomorrow, about being a leader and working in teams.