One of the Web 2.0 tools that I have been using the last couple of years is a Wiki blog that we set up through our Apple servers at in our district. Any teacher can create their own wiki for their own personal school page, a page for their class or subject, and even for any school groups or clubs.
I believe this is a valuable tool to use to create a sense of ownership in the learning and engagement of the students. It can also create accountability in the sense that you know when the students have read or posted comments on the subject at hand.
You can post a variety of media on the wikis from plain text, to pictures as well as videos. I believe that this tool can be a great asset in conjunction with the traditional classroom curriculum. Teachers can create supplemental lesson and have them posted here for students to come back and comment on.
Some examples of use are, in English or ILA classes, teachers can create a discussion board on a book they just read and choose passages to critique or find their meaning. In Art or Photography classes, pictures of artwork or sculptures can be shown for students to discuss and comment on what they think about the art. I've used ours in video production and broadcast for students to not only have a place to show off their work, but to have a sounding board to share their likes and dislike about the topics being covered, even having a place for suggestions of new topics.
Wikis also provide a way to get the quieter kids involved that usually don't participate in class. There is always a few in class that are afraid to speak up, but give them a place where they can type their thoughts without having to raise their hands and everyone look at them, well, they tend to participate in discussions a bit more. The example of the wiki I have shown above is one for our FCA group. We use it to recap lessons we discussed, post upcoming meeting dates as well as hear student requests for prayers and hear their views on life and their struggles.
A class or school wiki is a great place for collaboration, critique, review and discussion. I can see a variety of ways that teachers can utilize this technology with minimal effort and low technical skill.
Hi Rowdy,
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of great things about wikis. I have been experimenting with website tools and wikis are another form.
At first, Wikis seem complicated, but you make it seem so easy.
I like that is has a discussion board so students can collaborate with each other and that student work can be showcased.
I like that you are using it for FCA. This way students can connect even when they may not see each other in school or in class.
Thank you Rowdy for an excellent review.
I will have to experiment with wikis when I have more time.