Wikis - worthwhile? Or going the way of the wind?
When wikis are created and used for a specific purpose suitable for this method of file sharing, they can be valuable. True, they are not quite as seamless and efficient as a google doc or interactive website, but wikis require minimal technology skills to set up and post, and are an excellent organizational tool.
Here are 3 ways I have personally used wikis within an educational setting:
1). Tracking a student's progress while tutoring reading. I created a wiki consisting of pages detailing pre-and post- assessments, lesson plans, assignments, reflections, text lists, and recommendations. The organized structure of the wiki made planning easier, and was an efficient communication tool for both the student and her parents.
Using a wiki for student digital portfolios facilitates both teacher-student and parent-teacher conferences.
2). As a student, in a text-less course. Readings, as well as student responses, were contained in one wiki, and allowed students and the instructor to share their understandings within a learning community.
A classroom wiki can keep students on top of assignments, share questions & answers about coursework in close to real time, and be a valuable reference resource for topics currently being covered in the classroom. Pressed for time during the school day? The teacher can post enriching materials on the class wiki, for the students to read at home.
3). When organizing a library event (book fair, author visit, exhibit, etc.). A wiki organizes the entire project, yet breaks down its components (i.e., refreshments, signage, PR, displays, A/V equipment, costs) so that staff, volunteers, and project managers can independently track planning, spot gaps, and visualize tasks assigned, undone, and completed. Saves endless emailing back and forth!
Nancy Hart
I really enjoyed reading your blog because it was nice to hear some first hand examples of how Wiki's have been used in the school setting since I have had little to no experience with them till I began to work on my media specialist certification. I really liked your idea for using the Wiki to track students' progress and then to use at a later time as a communication tool during a parent teacher / student conference. It seems to me like the Wiki utilized in this situation served many purposes, even housing lesson plans and assessments, so it became a one-stop-shop of sorts for teaching and learning. As noted in your second example of Wiki uses, in a class without a textbook, the Wiki was a great place for the teacher and student to communicate. I think that next quarter, when my students take part in a novel study, I will set up a Wiki for student response to literature. On the Wiki, I will post questions, writing prompts based on the assigned readings, and check this each week instead of the traditional pencil and paper responses I might collect. Hope they like it!
ReplyDeleteYou make a very interesting suggestion about using Wikis for book fairs. As a volunteer, I ran the book fair at my daughter’s school for several years and never thought to use a tool like a Wiki to help me. While Scholastic did have online tools available, I would really have liked something like a Wiki to help keep me organized as well as to help me communicate with my committee. Now that I’m a media paraprofessional, I am still part of the book fair process but I think I will definitely share your idea with the new chairperson. She may not be the most tech savvy person but Wikis really are simple enough for most people to deal with. I would probably even be willing to help her set it up if needed. My favorite part of your suggestion has got to be the reduction of those endless emails. I found myself sending emails constantly to people about everything! A Wiki would be great, especially if you could get everyone involved to remember to check the Wiki regularly. Thanks for the great suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI really agree with your first comment about how Wikis "are not quite as seamless and efficient as a Google doc or interactive website". I couldn't agree more. I do think Wikis have their place but they're definitely not my favorite. I really like your ideas for Wikis. Who would've thought to use a Wiki for a book fair?! Love your ideas!
ReplyDeleteYou have used wikis in very creative ways. It's a great way to demonstrate a different form of technology than what students may be used to. While they are familiar with reading wikis while doing research they may not have explored all of the creative ways that wikis can be used, I think that many of us should begin looking for more opportunities to actually have students create wikis too.
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