 Sites to See:
Get Wild About Wikis!
A wiki is online software designed to allow any user to change, not only the content, but everything (including formatting) in the wiki. Imagine a printed book like Dickens' Tale of Two Cities, that any reader could change in any way he or she wanted -- changing what the characters said; moving characters from chapter to chapter; deleting chapters; even turning the novel into a haiku! Such a tool gives tremendous power and freedom to a collective body of users -- not just a single author. But how can you use a wiki in the classroom -- and where can you go to learn more? Check out these sites!
Wikipedia's Wiki Definition
Yes, to learn about wikis, you need to consult a wiki (the dreaded "defining a word by using that same word!"). Wikipedia is a free, online encyclopedia where users can change information as they wish. Check out the entry for "wiki" to see an overview of the development of the word itself (from the Hawaiian word meaning "quick") and more. The Key Characteristics section is a bit too tech-heavy for some, so skip it and move to the Controlling Changes and Vandalism sections for information on the challenges of an "open environment." Keep reading and you'll find numerous links for further information including wikis about wikis (called WikiNodes)!
Wiki Basics Video
Still confused? Check out this video, which walks you through the basic steps of creating a wiki. You will see the computer screen of the narrator as he clicks and types and shows you how he edits his wiki. Note that although some specific steps might vary, this would be a great place to start for those who like to see something in action instead of just reading about it! Once you're finished, go to Using Wiki in Education, and be sure to scroll down to the Ways to Use Wiki in Education.
Paul Allison's
Wiki Teaching
Want to see a K-12 teacher using a wiki in his daily classroom? Check out Paul Allison's site (which by the way is written as a blog -- an online journal by one author). Not only does he provide examples of high school students as they write, but he also shares some cautions based on his experience. You might want to click around at this site to see various wiki entries.
For Teachers New To Wikis
WritingWiki has an excellent section called For Teachers New To Wikis, which provides a clear explanation of wikis and concrete ideas for your classroom. This source lists sites you can use for your own wiki and discusses the advantages and limitations of using wikis in writing classes. Be sure to click WikiPlay toward the bottom of this page; you'll see a new page appear. Click Edit, and then begin typing. Voila! You're editing a wiki. How simple!
ALSO WORTH A LOOK
- What's a Wiki? from Extreme Tech. Don't let the word Extreme scare you; this is an easy-to-understand and short explanation of this emerging tech tool.
- Wiki in a K-12 Classroom Short descriptions of very practical ways to teach and learn with wikis.
- Teacher's Lounge A wiki for posting lesson plans and other content.
- Tim Frederick's ELA Teaching Wiki A great example of a high school teacher using a wiki in his classroom. Be sure to see the link to his blog at TypePad as well.
- WikiSpaces Free Wiki for Teachers (no ads!).
Learn about more great sites for students, parents, and educators by visiting Education World's Site Reviews Archives.
Article by Lorrie Jackson
Education World®
Copyright © 2006 Education World
03/21/2006
Updated 10/03/2008 |
