Wikieducator

Wikieducator appears to be a very useful site but a user-friendlier main page might attract more visitors.  All of these new wiki- pages reminds me of all of the new dotcom businesses that sprang up several years ago.  Some were very viable but others were quickly forgotten.  One of the most intriguing items from the main page (http://www.wikieducator.org/Main_Page) was a statistic that over 1/2 of those registered on Wickieducator were over 45.  I am under that age group and am now registered, but why are more "experienced" educators using the site?  Do they want more help with lesson plans?  Does the younger educator typically have more internet resources and therefore doesn't need a central resource?  Are other sites more helpful, but I just haven't found them yet?

While scanning the main page, I noticed the North American resources link had been viewed only 1500 times, but a Frogs vs. Hamsters link had been viewed nearly as often.  Are more educators looking for curricula on specific topics with prepared materials, rather than linking with other others across the country or world?  

The Frogs vs. Hamsters page had been created as part of a "Biology in Elementary Schools" project.  Entirely impressive!  After futiley searching the projects page for German materials, several of the projects listed appeared very useful.  What an excellent way to collaborate with other teachers in a district and coordinate teaching styles and materials.   A district or region wide inservice or teacher work day in a particular subject could really add to the lesson plans available.   As we continuely learn and share, hopefully our methods of instruction and also our students learning and retention will improve.

I hope to use Wikieducator more in the future and also add to its project pool. 

Submitted by Harold Zentz