A wiki is a great tool for delivering instructional content on the web. I can edit the pages from anywhere, right in my web browser, without a lot of technical knowledge. It's free, and offers me online storage space to upload pictures and files. I don't need help or permission from the information technology folks to get started. I can easily re-organize the content and add new pages with a few clicks. I can attach files, add pictures and embed video, audio, slide shows and other media. I can invite others to help me develop the content. If need be, we can all work on the wiki in our pajamas.
What is a Wiki?
Simply, a wiki is a website that anyone can edit easily using a regular web browser. The first wiki was developed in 1995 by Ward Cunningham, who named his project after the Hawaiian word "wiki-wiki," meaning "quick."
If you can use a word processor, copy and paste, and send an email attachment, you can create a wiki. A wiki site may be as basic as a single page containing information and links by one author, or as complex as Wikipedia, the collaborative web-based encyclopedia, containing over 9 million articles in 250 languages, written, edited and constantly updated by thousands of users. (We won't debate the merits of Wikipedia at this particular moment, but most educators will concede that it has some value as a ready reference tool, and also that it can be used as a means for teaching students to critically evaluate online information sources).
Discovery Resources - Use these resources to learn more about wikis:
Wiki, wiki, wiki - from the Core Competency blog of the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County.·
Discovery Resources - Use these resources to learn more about wikis:
Wiki, wiki, wiki - from the Core Competency blog of the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County.·
Wikis: A Beginner’s Look – an excellent short slide presentation that offers a short introduction and examples.·
What is a Wiki? – Library Success wiki presentation.·
Using Wikis to Create Online Communities – a good overview of what a wiki is and how it can be used in various ways.
Read Vicki Davis' blog post Wiki Wiki Teaching about her first experience using wikis in the classroom. Do you think there may be a wiki in your future?
Read Vicki Davis' blog post Wiki Wiki Teaching about her first experience using wikis in the classroom. Do you think there may be a wiki in your future?
Task:
Write a blog post sharing your thoughts and observations about the educational wiki projects you have explored. Provide details/examples from at least three wikis that you actually investigated
E.g.: What did you notice about their organization, content, tools used, learning outcomes? What was missing? What could you do differently or better? In your post, please also share initial ideas you have for wiki use in classroom, professional or personal learning.
Be sure to include "Thing 9" in the title of your post.
Be sure to include "Thing 9" in the title of your post.
Curriculum Connections:
Wikis can be made for any classroom!
Idea #1: Collaborative note-taking. Everyone pitches in and adds a fact or two about a topic. Teachers can encourage students to include opinions, challenges, and appropriate criticism. Students would then write essays using only these notes. Make sure that each addition includes a citation to website, book, or database, including page numbers so that it can be checked.
Idea #2: History. Students can compile a wiki of famous artists, architects, writers, and other key historical figures from a city, state, or country.
Idea #3: Create a "top 10" lists and supporting material. This could include scientists and their discoveries, top writers and their books, ... you get the idea.
A Few Further Resources (provided for your reference)
TeachersFirst Wiki Walkthrough - Useful overview of basic wiki features and concepts, plus lots of ideas for classroom wiki projects in many subject areas, including a specific section for younger grades.
EDUCAUSE: 7 Things You Should Know About Wikis (PDF) - Don't let the techno-speak in #3 scare you.
Wiki While You Work - Mark Wagner's introduction to wikis presentation from the 2006 K12 Online Conference. It's long (1 hour) but really good.
Wiki Wisdom: Lessons for Educators (PDF) - Article from Digital Directions
[Note: Please remember to include THING# in your heading posts.]
