#08: Wiki experience & lesson plan ideas

[Steve Gibbs]

Part #1: Describe your experiences learning and using PBWorks Wiki. Do you have any problems, questions, or suggestions for others?

Part #2: Create two lesson plan ideas that could use wikis in the classroom.

Internet Security Alert:
What precautions would we take before allowing students to upload text, files, hyperlinks, and embedded content to the Internet?

[amyy]

I liked learning how to use PBWorks Wiki. It was easy to use once you explained it to me and the more consistently I used it, the easier it became. It's also something I can see using in class and having students create their own wiki's. I think it's a good way to share information and it's also a great way to keep track of all the work we do in here and in other classes.

In terms of what precautions I'd take for students, I think that's a good question and I'm not sure. I'd like to get other people's feedback because I'm really not sure how to to keep track of appropriate links and uploads without being overwhelmed by it and having it be extremely time consuming.

[lauren]

Like Amy I have come to rely on the pbworks site to keep me organized for both classes we are currently taking. As with any technology piece the more I have used it the more comfortable i have become with it.

I would like to be able to have students create wikis for projects that contain several components - perhaps my element report or an environmental creek project. If the components of the project are clearly defined students could make appropriate pages for each component. They could upload to the page when the part was completed. Perhaps projects that were joint projects could be accessed by each student.

Is it too ambitious to consider creating a wiki at the beginning of the year for each student. Major elements could be uploaded and preserved for the year. While this is not a lesson plan this could be a useful teaching tool.

Major considerations: Overcoming district reservations about these outside tools. Maintaining proper safeguards against all the usual attempted violations.
Maintaining adequate

[jhartman]

Of all the technology knowledge I have learned in ED741 I'd have to say that learning how to use a wiki has been the most productive. I like how you can consolidate documents, websites, picture, video, etc in one location.

If I could convince the network director and site principal to let students have school related emails and electronic portfolios I could really make us of wikis.

Instead of doing everything on paper and having students lose them, they can post everything on a wiki. The only problem is that teaching students how to use all the technology would take away from curriculum.

A wiki would be a terrific way to document all the work done in a class. The work would be saved forever and not easily lost. Students could come back several years later and reflect.

It would be fun to start the 6th graders on a wiki, add certain assignments and continue through 8th grade.

We have told to maintain a teacher website. I think the system we use works fine, yet the wiki format would be better.

Considerations: district approval, parent approval, digital divide, students would post information that does not belong useless strict precautions were taken (do not know how to do thet yet), learning curve of use is significant

[Megan Gerdts]

Once I played with it and had more experience, I think that the PBWorks wiki has tremendous potential. I have found it very helpful to have a place to upload I disagreeignments to and then be able to edit/revise them later from a different location. Going paperless was a lot easier than I thought and I can see how this would make a teacher's life a lot easier in grades where students turn in a lot of essays and projects.

In fifth grade, we still are so technologically "lean" that it would be difficult to require the students to post/use a wiki regularly. Most of my students have computer access at home, but it is difficult to teach them how to use something if they can't practice it with me there. I can see using it myself, for parents to view items.

The security issue is huge. As Jeff and Lauren said, getting the district on board would be huge, as well as establishing security within... what can/should students post and how can it remain semi-private.

[erlyn]

I have to say that of all the Web2.0 sites, I really like the use of the wiki. My masters project will involve using the wiki to post book reviews/projects, as well as use this forum to discuss and promote books. I have to say that it does take some time for me to remember everything you (Steve) have shown us, but I do like the overall product! I would like to create a wiki for my students to use (just like yours and Roger's). My goal is to have it up and running for next years group!

I think that since Steve has paved the way in technology for a lot us teachers, here in Benicia, I don't think I'll have too much of a problem getting students started (especially knowing they'll be doing something similar and more in depth in high school with Steve's classes). As my concerns arise, I know I'll be bugging Steve about them!

As for security alert, I think that by them and their parent sign a contract for what is expected behaviour while posting and using the internet is important, but like Amy, I am not sure what else I can do. Any other suggestions?

[brandys]

At first learning the ins and outs of the Wiki business was a little tricky, but once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy. I enjoy being able to build on it for a professional purpose and see how it could be a great too for the older grades. I think that I might actually get more out of a wiki as a place for parents and students to get information, than I would from a regular class website. It would also be great for parents to put up questions and then see if others are wondering the same thing. I could build in extra credit pieces as well that allow students to answer questions or brain benders online for extra points. If I am still teaching next year I would love to change my class website into a class wiki!
Besides the use of the wiki as a class hub, I think it would also be great to post examples of student work or even have the kids take over one section of it for a class e-newspaper. Each week a new set of kids could post their favorite writing pieces, comics made from other Web 2.0's, or even comment on current events. We could start off the year by puting it together as a class and then slowly handing the reins over to students while I act as administrator for that section. I don't think parents would have a problem giving permission to use something like this because I currently e-mail my parents and they love it.