About+Wikis

WikiSpaces vs. Google Sites

I have used both wiki's and google sites, and have found that there are pros and cons with both.

__**Google Sites**__
I personally use a google site for my class website and my teacher portfolio. For these purposes I like having a site that cannot be edited by outside users, but serve as a site that people can go to find information about my classroom and myself as a teacher.


 * __Pros__**
 * several different type of websites and layouts to choose from to design your site
 * websites are laid out with a professional look
 * can easily upload/link google docs and picassa slideshows


 * __Cons__**
 * initially not very user friendly, you must do some research to operate well
 * my students cannot edit/use google sites/docs because they are too young

__Wiki's__
I have used wikis for several class projects. I have contributed and edited on many and created just a few on my own. I have found that wikis are best for collaborative projects rather than for personal sites.


 * __Pros__**
 * quick and easy to begin using (much faster than google sites)
 * great for collaborating on projects especially in distance courses
 * students wouldn't necessarily need to have an account to access and edit on the page (could just use the teacher info or classroom user name and password)


 * __Cons__**
 * not many choices on layout and design
 * pages don't always look very professional, they often look very basic
 * you cannot view many sites unless you are first invited as a member, and then accepted as a member

Overall, I can see how each have their own uses and can be great tools in educational use. I will continue to use both, but for different reasons. I enjoy having my classroom website as a goole site rather than a wiki because I think it looks more professional. After I got over the initial frustration with using a google site and learning how to navigate it I have really learned to enjoy it. I have used wikis for class projects but am really looking forward to attempting to use one in my 5th grade classroom for the first time. I couldn't have my students collaborate as easily on a google site as they could on a wikispace. I can't say exactly which one I prefer better because they each have such different uses for me.