Wikis

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=**What is a wiki?**= A wiki is a website that uses wiki software to allow for a multitude of collaborators to create and shape ideas, information and various other content. You can use it to create a single site for yourself where class information, materials, etc. can be held. At its best, though, it is used for a group to collectively create meaning and connect information.

=Why should I use one for my class?=

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While you can create a great wiki that is teacher centered and uses the space as a recepticle for class notes, announcements and information, the best uses are for assignments in which you want students to colloborate, especially over a given period of time.======

1) Have students work together to solve a problem, whether it be a math problem or another relevant content proble

2)Have students collaborate to generate a relevant timeline of events or a taxonomy or order for items being studied

3)They can create a fan page or bio page of an important figure relevant to content

4)Have them collaborate on a summary, challenging them to make it as complete as possible while cutting it down to twenty words or less (or any other number you feel they can get to)

5)Create a space where students can post videos, pictures or comments about things they saw that day that relate to items being studied in class.

6)If multiple students are researching similar topics, create a page where they can input a reduced annotated bibliography to share interesting and useful resources.

7)Have students maintain class portfolios whereby the post their work. Since you can link to new pages, the possibilities are endless.

8)Have students prepare for debates by posting elements of their arguments fo rhte other side to see. Challenge them to always be prepared to answer the oppositions argument.

9)Create a classroom FAQ that can address student concerns ranging from unit content to classroom procedures. Engage them in helping craft the answers to the questions

10)Create a class cookbook that can include recipes, pictures, and anecdotes and memories associated with foods.

11)Create a nature guide. On the wiki you can include photos, descriptions, videos, etc. to document the local areas natural features.

12) And today's task....use a wiki to collaborate and share with colleagues. Post interesting cites, descriptions of great assignments of lessons that you give, and other successes.

There are many more suggestions, some in the resources below. Essentially anything that is going to have kids collaborate would be a good match for wikis.

=I don't think you really addressed why I should include this in my class. WHY?=

I can really only give you two reasons, but they are pretty good ones.


 * 1) The people who are already using wikis are having a lot of success engaging kids in new ways. The result is more kids learning more. I would think that might be one that would get everyone at least considering giving it a shot.
 * 2) Probably even more importantly, they are an important way in which communication and meaning are being made today. As we all know, wikipedia, easiestly the largest wiki out there, is being used all the time for reasearch by kids (and most of us), and wikis are popping up to address all manner of topics. Not only will using wikis, expose kids to the process by which they are made, but will give them the appropriate respect and caution when using them. Wikis are a great invention of the 21st Century for democratizing the creation of meaning through facts and opinions, but we all know that they must be read with care, and these assignments will better acquaint kids with how they work.

=**How?**=

Check out the series of videos on this site to see how to get started or remind yourself of some of the things you learned in the training.

Check out the teachers FAQ page to learn more about how to set up classes and use wikispaces

[|Teachers First] has a great site that includes specific ideas of ways that wikis can be used within individual content areas.