WikiMalicki

When I first heard about Wikipedia, I genuinely thought he played for the New Zealand Rugby Union team. Probably a Mauri with penchant for crushing opposing players with hugs. I like hugs, but not from Mauri men. Mauri women, mmm, not sure, they kind of intimidate me too, but I suppose a hug is a hug. Maybe when I'm feeling down and out about stuff, I could ring a Mauri and they could come and give me a hug. 1800 MAURIHUG. Sorry I think I'm off topic again.
Wikipedia is really addictive. When I flick on the computer machine, I go straight to Wiki and look up facts about Daryl Braithwaite and golden retrievers. They are my favourite two things. The perfect day would be walking in a park with a golden retriever, sans tennis ball, with Daryl following me, gently playing One Summer, Horses, but not anything from Sherbet. If we're halfway through a gentle stroll and he belts out Howzat, it's basically walk over, hometime. And I tell you what, that would upset any golden retriever, they love walking. They need lots of exercise. They also possess a friendly, eager-to-please demour. A bit like this guy but more active and not quite as orange.
Wikipedia is certainly a pretty amazing resource. But it's a bit like having a really smart guy on your pub quiz night team. Sure, he's quick to answer the tricky questions, but you still need to ask around the table to make sure. He's not reliable enough. He could be working for another table, sabotaging your attempts to win. I just don't trust him. Plus when it's his round he's always well behind the pace and you're getting annoyed. Drink up. That's what Wikipedia is. A sly, dodgy, unreliable genuis. Like this bloke.
So when it comes to using it in the classroom, you need to be aware that Wikipedia might try and pull a swifty on you. Educate your students that not all information might be accurate. Encourage students to question the information, maybe even ask the students to consider contributing to the site. Only today did a Year 5 student tell me that he often corrects spelling errors on Wikipedia, although admittedly he is a genuis. Literally. Unlike these people.
Once a week I tutor 13yo boys at a school in the cultural capital of the world, Perth. They use computer machines in preference to pens and paper, and they use both Wikipedia and Encylopedia Britanica. But here's the kicker, and I swear this is true - Wikipedia is used on the computers, whereas the volumes of encylopedias are used as mouse pads. They kind of work together. Kind of.

Bloggy Blog Bloggy

One year and one month into my masters course in education, I do not know what pedagogical means. I can't even spell it without copying it, and I certainly can't pronounce it. All in all, a bit of a disaster, considering it's a key term used frequently in several of the courses. I asked my housemate, who I won't name, and he doesn't know either. Embarrassing somewhat wouldn't you say?
So I'm faced with a pretty easy option I suppose. Get on Mr Google, or his less popular cousin, Dr Bing, and search for an answer. But it's late, and I really can't be bothered. There's a big night of educational viewing on the television, and I'll be buggered if I miss out on some truly painful Paul McDermott highly rehearsed banter with Claire Hooper. She has scary eyes. Or maybe I might watch some Four Corners. Eat some grapes. And have some yoghurt in a small tub. Sorry I think I've drifted off-topic somewhat.
Ah yes, so back to D) Weekly Task: Blog. Never liked blogs. Not for me. I'd prefer to try and swallow a housebrick that read one, let alone write one. And if I made my kids write them, I'd just get angry having to read them all. It could get violent.
Blogs are essential diaries for people to log the boring mundane aspects of their day, reflect on the hillariously tedious issues they have faced, and I hate them. Not all blogs. I'm sure some are really interesting. I just haven't got the time or the interest to find them. If my students are going to interact, communicate with a wider audience, I'd rather they went to Bunnings, bought some nails, wood, a hammer, caught a bus into the middle of the city, build themselves a soapbox and told the world their thoughts. Obviously though this could be a problem. Not every student might be able to afford such materials, let alone be allowed to catch a bus into town. Plus, if they're really short, what use will a box be? They'll need something much bigger. And their voice isn't going to be loud enough. And I reckon it might be against the law - do buskers need licenses in Perth? Maybe blogs are easier. Yeah, sorry, everyone, I've changed my mind. Blogs rule ok.
So I'm going to get my class to constantly blog. I want them to blog blog blog. Cancel recess, we're all going blogging. Damn, I want your opinion on stuff, and I want it now kids. Get typing. Bless you Web 2.0, you're a gift.
Oh, Good News Week is about to start.
Must go now.