Google+knol

=GOOGLE KNOL=

From the [|Google knol] site, "A knol is an authoritative article about a specific topic." One knol is a "unit of knowledge." Google knol is currently in beta testing.

Google knol allows the user to write an article about something they have considerable knowledge about. Here is an [|example knol] I wrote about a plastic vase that I have. There is not much information about it elsewhere on the internet.

The main menu across the top dashboard offers four options:
 * View**. Lets you view your knol.
 * Edit**. Lets you edit your knol.
 * Revisions**. Provides a revision history.
 * Manage**. Under manage there is an open collaboration mode, where all signed in users may edit the knol,a moderated collaboration mode, where all signed in users can suggest edits to the knol, but these need approval from an author before being published and a closed collaboration mode, where only owners and authors may edit the knol. You can also select copyright/Creative Commons options, choose to show or not show advertisements, or import a file as a new knol under the manage menu.

Resources [|About Google Knol] [|Knol Ultimate Resource] [|Basics of writing knols]

Youtube [|WNYC broadcast], Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia Founder) on Knol

Strengths:

 * Free.
 * Intuitive interface.
 * Information on a wide variety of topics.
 * Encourages becoming and "expert"

Weaknesses:

 * New tool, the purpose of which could perhaps be misunderstood by a novice user community.
 * Anyone can create a knol, whether they are an authority on a subject or not.
 * This tool is a duplication of other sites, like Wikipedia.
 * May begin to be used as a reference source by students
 * True purpose of such a site not clearly defined

Opportunities:

 * Searches for specific areas of knowledge possible.
 * knols allow contact with experts in the field.
 * Collaboration on a global scale.

Threats:

 * Editing of and collaborating on knols is dictated by three levels. There is an open collaboration level, a moderated level, and a closed level. At the first two levels, anyone with a Google ID can edit. Inappropriate edits/comments or vandalism can be conducted and students can see this even if the edits are rejected.
 * Proliferation of misinformation
 * No proof of research based findings required to create a knol

=Ideas for the Classroom = //Communication and Productivity//
 * Students select an area of interest and interact with "experts"

//Language Arts//
 * Students encouraged to become and expert and create a knol as part of a research project

//Math **-- added by Elizabeth Drake on June 10, 2009** //
 * 1) **Each student should select a famous mathematician from a list the teacher has prepared (after the teacher searches Google Knol to make sure each name on the list is represented by an article). Then each student should read one Google Knol article about that mathematician, do a search elsewhere on the Internet for other information on that person, and compare this information to the information in the Knol. The student will prepare a report that includes a summary of the Knol article with references to other resources that either confirm or disprove the information on Google Knol.**
 * 2) **There are several common word problems that are given in virtually every math class. These begin at an elementary level and are repeated in higher-level courses, as the level of difficulty increases. Regardless of the level, many students find these problems extremely difficult. A few common examples are given below:**
 *  **Problems involving height and the force of gravity as an object is thrown into the air**
 * **Problems involving simple and/or compound interest**
 * **Problems involving maximizing an area given certain parameters**
 * **Mixture problems**
 * It is known that, if a person can explain how to do something in math, the level of understanding increases considerably. Therefore, I suggest that each student in a math class be given one word problem from a list like the one shown above and write a Knol about how to solve that problem. Then each student can create a profile, upload the Knol, and share that Knol’s URL with the other students in the class. Finally, each student will be required to read at least three of his/her classmates’ Knols and post a comment about it to a class Wiki or Discussion Board. The comment should state whether the explanation was clear and, if not, what was unclear. Afterwards, each student should edit his/her Knol to make it better, taking the classmates’ comments into account. **

//Science//
 * Have students work on an explanation for a particular concept or idea in class, a wiki perhaps, then post as a knol.

//Social Studies//
 * Choose relevant historical figures to research and contribute biographies.
 * Teacher can download existing biographies and have students critique and edit offline. This is a safer activity than actively engaging in internet activity.

//Visual and Performing Arts//
 * (Add more ideas here.)

//Other Subject Areas//
 * Health and Physical Education - students could publish articles with information targeted for a specific age group (Getting Fit with Your Wii, etc.)