- Grade Levels K - 2
- Grade Levels 3 - 5
- Grade Levels 6 - 8
- Grade Levels 9 - 12
- Kinesthetic Learner
- Visual Learner
- Auditory Learner
- Technology Integration
Wiki Basics
Technology Integration
Using the internet for collaboration is the purpose of a wiki. The business world has found that wikis are a fast and effective means for teams to work together and communicate ideas. Teachers can also find new ways to work with students and challenge them to learn to work as a team with the use of wikis.
What is a Wiki?
Most educators are familiar with the most popular wiki on the internet, Wikipedia. This giant wiki is a public encyclopedia that anyone can edit, within certain guidelines. Thousands of editors constantly update entries to give readers the most current information on any given topic.
User-Friendly Technology
The simple, lean design of a wiki means that it is easy to use. Teachers and students will experience a short learning curve in setting up and contributing to a wiki, but because this is a Web-based technology, there are no programs to install. The interface is accessible on any computer with a browser such as Internet Explorer and an internet connection.
Using the Wiki in the Classroom
As an educational tool, wikis may be integrated in a multi-faceted manner to accommodate all learners. Wikis can serve at least four basic functions.
1. Classroom Management
Teachers can use wikis to post assignments, outlines for class lecture and discussion, notes for class assignments, Web links for units of study, and WebQuests. Teachers can lock a wiki to prevent changes to their pages if they choose.
2. Collaboration
Peer editing can be effective with a wiki. Students can work together to produce a document and discuss the organization as they work through the process. Students can also write individual papers and receive help from other students and adults. Producing a piece of writing that can be viewed on the internet gives students a wider audience. When the audience expands beyond the teacher, students feel that their writing is more significant and they will take more ownership for their work. Friends and family can participate in this process and be sounding boards for the work. Wikis can also be shared with classrooms across the world. One wiki is shared between one class in Camilla, Georgia and another class in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The cultural exchange possibilities are excellent. http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com
3. Discussions
Because a wiki provides a means for discussion, the constructive criticism received can help students to think through the process of writing. Discussions can also give students positive feedback and stimulate higher-order thinking. Discussion can facilitate healthy exchanges of opinion on controversial topics. Students will motivate each other to think about current issues because they will have the chance for lively interchange of ideas.
4. Student Portfolios
Wikis can be a repository for student projects. Students can keep all their brainstorming ideas, research notes, and links in one place. This can be a hedge against plagiarism, and also help students to stay organized.
Wiki Concerns to Consider
Inappropriate Conduct Some students may try to disrupt the normal flow of information on a wiki by posting inane or even defamatory content. Wikis can be set up where the teacher can control who is allowed to post. This should eliminate the problem because the teacher will know who has created the post. Another caution is to make sure that not more than one student is posting to a page at one time. Several students can work on one site on different pages at the same time.
Acceptable Uses Most schools districts have an Acceptable Use Policy(AUP) with regard to computer use. Any teacher wanting to use a wiki with his/her students should understand all the policies. A teacher should have students and parents sign the AUP and make sure they understand what it means. Many AUPs suggest to not list students’ first and last name for Web pages that are viewed by the public. Students also need to avoid statements or media that are libelous, or unethical (copyright violations and obscenity).
Preparing Students for Wikis
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Determine that all students' AUPs are in place and up to date.
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Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission.
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Teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers.
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Review policies and guidelines pertaining to student access.
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Teach the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location.
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Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences.
Steps for Getting Started on a Wiki
There are a number of free wiki tools available.
1. Go to one of the available free sites. (http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers100K is a great site for teachers).
2. Provide the necessary information requested (user name, password). Be sure to write down your Web address and password in a secure location.
3. Create a title for your blog.
4. Accept terms and select a template.
5. Make a navigation link for any pages you want to keep organized.
6. Make a new page. Label the page and then click on the “edit page” button. Use the tool bar to format text and to add media.
Read more about it….
The Media Center is an exciting new tool allowing students, teachers and parents to download valuable instructional audio and video assets. Many assets are available on the Media Center including "Key Concepts" from our Pre-Algebra Student Edition, video episodes from Bon voyage! Level One, and for teachers, Professional Development videos. The Media Center allows students and teachers to expand their knowledge by providing high-quality multimedia assets for study at home or on the go.
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