Wikis Wikis

For the Technology ClassroomFor the Technology Classroom

Objectives

Define wikis and connect them to 21st century learning skills.

Identify ways wiki can be used in the technology classroom.

Identify resources and create a basic classroom wiki

Link the wikis together to start forming a CHS Tech. Ed. Network.

What is a Wiki?

In your own words describe a wiki. What are some advantages that a wiki can

give a teacher in the classroom?

What is a wiki?

A wiki is a website that uses wiki software, allowing the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, and for note taking.

The collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis.

"the simplest online database that could possibly work.“ - Ward Cunningham

How can Wikis help improve 21st century skills? Learning and Innovation Skills

Communication and Collaboration Life and Career Skills

Social and Cross-cultural Skills Information, Media and Technology Skills

ICT (Information, communication & technology) Literacy

So how can we use wikis?

How can it be used to improve the curriculum in the technology classroom?

Can wikis help with differentiating instruction? How?

What would it look like? (your vision)

Before we get started: Where to go

There are many free wiki sites. Two of the biggest sites are: PBWorks (formally PBWiki) Wikispaces

Both have advantages and disadvantages and I am currently leaning toward wiki spaces but if you already have a wiki somewhere else feel free to use it.

Before we get started: Resources

Here is a great tool to help you create a wiki on wikispaces. http://powerboostnecc09.wikispaces.com/

This Wiki has links to some examples and resources. http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/

Time to Build

In the next 30 min. use the information we have gathered and create a Wiki site for your classroom. This should be one site that all your classes can go

and share information. You can use either PBWorks or Wikispaces to create

your space. If you already have a space start planning how you

are going to organize it for the coming school year. Explore the features of the wiki

e.g. embed a teacher tube video

Lets get connected

Now that you have a basic wiki, I want link it to the Chesapeake Technology site.

Check your email; I have invited you to join the wiki.

You will have administrative rights and will need to create a link between this wiki and your own.

Lets get connected

Click on the edit tab

Lets get connected

Highlight your name and click the insert link button

Lets get connected

If you are linking to another Wikispace you will use the Wiki Link tab

If it an external site like PBWorks then use the external link tab.

Let check our progress

Now we will look at our wikis together http://chesapeaketeched.wikispaces.com/

What do we like or dislike about working in the wiki environment?

Next Steps

Earlier I asked you to think of your vision of your classroom wiki. Now we need to start building on that vision.

How will you use the wiki to differentiate and enhance your instruction?

What else do we need (professional development) to successfully use wikis in the classroom and fulfill your vision?

Review

Today we: Defined wikis and connected them to 21st

century learning skills. Identify ways wiki can be used in the

technology classroom. Identify resources and create a basic

classroom wiki Link the wikis together to start forming a CHS

Tech. Ed. Network.

Questions

Were we successful today? Take the professional development poll by

clicking on the professional development poll link on chesapaketeched wiki home page or go to http://chesapeaketeched.wikispaces.com/Professional+development+poll

References

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki http://powerboostnecc09.wikispaces.com/ http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ http://www.pbworks.com http://www.wikispaces.com