I started playing with a Wiki (http://www.simplykaren.org/wiki/index.php/LewisAndClark) for my Lewis and Clark idea. It’s different, obviously, since there is no interaction per se. You could create objects and have pages for them such as maps, compasses, animals, etc. You could also make use of lots of information and images already on the web. It’s still text based so you have that descriptive writing component but it seems easier for a classroom teacher to control.
Big difference: no way to tell who is online and strike up a conversation with them. I wondered about using the built-in Wiki that’s in Moodle because there is a chat function and a way to tell who is online (not necessarily in the wiki with you). On the other hand, it’s that chat feature that makes teachers wary about using things like MOO. Who will they meet online? How can they control the conversation? The wiki takes that part away.
