How to use blogs, wikis, and podcasts in the classroom?

Teachers can create excitement with students by utilizing these tools in the classroom. A blog allows students to create a personalized journal all about them. This would build confidence in students and allow them to express themselves in unique ways. They could use these to answer questions about a topic or work on how they can present ideas or concepts. A teacher can use this to share ideas and shortcuts with parents, students, or others. Special notes or tips and tricks can be read at any time of the day or night. A wiki allows students to work in groups and create an online wall of information about a topic or idea. It can be broken into groups and each person works on one area. Students can critique each other and even correct something that is incorrect. This allows students to own the project completely. Podcasts are a way for an individual or a group of students to vocalize something. This could be a song they created about the times tables or it could be a report on the history of King Tut. This allows students varied options of how they could complete an assignment. If someone is shy standing in front of a crowd, they could tape the podcast alone and share it with the class without being embarrassed by standing in front of everyone. Each tool offers numerous ways to enhance traditional teaching.