It wasn’t too long ago that I simply didn’t know what a “wiki” was and how it worked. I knew what Wikipedia was, but I did not realize that this huge website was just one example of many wikis found on one site. It never occurred to me that I might use wikis as a teaching tool. Nowadays it is becoming more and more common for teachers to replace the classic curriculum page with a class wiki. This is presumably due to the ease of wiki use as well as the versatility. You can essentially create your own free webpage, easily edit it whenever you want, and you can allow others to edit it as well.
When creating my own wiki, I chose Wikispaces.com as it is very educator-friendly. There are many other wiki sites one can use depending upon preference. I wanted to keep it very simple at first, and I ended up with this. It was incredibly easy; all I had to do was create my account click edit, and start typing! The page is an example of what my real class wiki could look like if I had my own class. I am currently working on creating a digital storytelling project for fifth grade students, and this page serves as a resource page for these hypothetical students. In time I will be adding sections including an area for student groups to collaborate on their projects together as well as project specifics and examples.
As with all online class tools, safety is very important. Assuming I used this wiki with a real class I would want to take precautions to make sure their safety and privacy was ensured. There are ways to set privacy controls on Wikispaces and other wiki sites.
I had heard of Wikis and only dealt with them as a student posting to them as a group. I never really gave much thought as to using the Wikis as a web page for my students.Just like you it is a work that is possible one day I could actually incorporate into my class.It is good to know that their are privacy controls in place. I deal with adults so privacy issues are slim. But I have a 11 year and I am concern with all the issues that lurk on the web and technology being incorporated.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what a wiki was either until this class. I agree with you that the safety and privacy of students is important and that we ll should make sure we have privacy settings on our wikis that parents would be happy with.
ReplyDeleteI liked your idea to use the crisis in Japan with your students. It is very important that students keep up with current evens and understand what is going on in the world around them. Your lesson is very relevant and will provide students with a lot of great information.
On a side note, I was reading an article about the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia with my class and it was interesting how many people did not recognize the warning sign of the coming tsunami. The article cited the story of a little girl who saved her family because she'd learned all about tsunamis in class and was convinced her family to seek higher ground. Anyway, point being, you never know when such lessons may be important!