Blogs, Wiki's and Webpage sites

Blogs, wikis and webpage sites all serve their own purposes...they are unique in their own ways. Having recently become more familiar with all of the above technologies, I find that they are all closely related.

Blogging websites contain posts, written by one individual or a group. The posts can be very short and to the point, or much longer. There are blogs that are dedicated to one thing in particular, such as cooking and there are others that offer an array of varying information. Alot of times included in the posts you might find links that offer further information on the topic being discussed, pictures that offer a visual to compliment the writing and videos. All of these characteristics really strengthen the blog post. A post can be an opinion on a certain topic, it can be a compilation of helpful resources on a particular area of study, it can be a list full of recipes, current news, sports related content, inspirational pieces, they can also explain new or existing procedures and or guidlines, (which might be useful in a work setting). There is a blog for just about anyone to relate to and find interesting and helpful. Blogs are not best for just one thing. I have used them in classes in order to post in response to books, but I have also used them to navigate through what other people are saying. You can really find out alot of information when you stroll through different blogs and you can reply to the posts, but you cannot change what has already been writen...that is left up to the user(s). Blog readers can subscribe to RSS feeds so they can stay updated on new posts or comments.

Wikis are also a very collaborate tool, but they differ from blogs in the sense that they allow the owner to invite others to edit and view the workspace. Once you are invited to collaborate as an editor you can change as much information as you would like. Similar to blogs, you can provide your comments. Many of us are familiar with wikipedia. This is a search engine that many people turn to when looking for information regarding a specific topic. Wikipedia is an example of a wiki (hence the name!). Anyone can edit the page, which makes it less credible (I think) because you don't always know for sure that you are reading accurate information. Similar to blogs, wikis allow images, links, videos, etc. People can quickly add to existing pages and easily create links to new pages once they become editors to a wiki page. I find that a wiki is best if you are really encouraging collaboration. I would use a wiki space before a blog when it comes to working with others only because everyone can participate in the project being done via a wiki.

Webpage sites are more personal, but can still be shared with others. For example, you can create a website or a portfolio using google sites, and share the domain (www.) If you do not want others to be able to search on google and find your creation I would recommend using google sites over Weebly because it is password protected unlike the later. Webpage sites are really best for presenting information to others, specifically a possible employer. All of your information, including a resume and any other vital information, can be neatly displayed and accessed through links, pages, etc. in order to present yourself to someone else. I would use this tool over a blog and wiki because I find it to be more professional, but that's my opinion. I will use a portfolio when applying for a job and it will have a compilation of the different lesson plans I have created, a resume, etc.

Blogs, wikis and webpage sites are all useful. They all offer collaboration, some more than others and definitely provide an array of information. Depending on what it is you are interested in and what you find best suitable for what you are doing, each one could be utilized.