In my search to expand my knowledge of wikis, I have started to look for good examples of using wikis in education in order to understand how successful wikis are created. One thing I have found that most successful education wikis have in common is the idea that they turn control for the content over to the students and emphasize student ownership over the wiki. I found this award winning wiki in my quest. This is the ultimate pen pal project, if you can even label them it that basic of terms. It involves connecting a class in Georgia with a class in Bangladesh. This is an interesting site to look at the structure of a wiki, because it has a structured set-up with the students using discussion tabs and then posting on a wiki page under their topic. I liked that this wiki has a firm structure, but it still gives the students control over their individual pages. I also liked that the template that was provided for the students to use in their postings. I had never thought of giving the students a template, but it is a way to provide structure without controlling too much of the student ownership over the content. I also enjoyed seeing the rubric that was given and the criteria on evaluating the rubric. This is one area that I have definitely struggled with when using wikis and blogs in my classroom. I know that my students are learning and working collaboratively I can see it in their participation in discussions and postings, but figuring out how to evaluate the wiki or blog is difficult. I liked the approach the rubric uses by assigning very specific point values and guidelines. (Here is a link to the rubric http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/Rubrics) I think this is an excellent example for wiki design, because it provides structure and feedback for the students, but it still allows the students to maintain ownership over the content and also flexibility in their learning and also provides for student collaboration.
http://flatclassroomproject.wikispaces.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
It is amazing to see what these students could write! I especially liked the student’s perspective on technology as opposed to say - mine or another teacher, educator or adult.
I have been journaling and taking notes of my students on their first day using a wiki. Ownership is a “big thing” to them. At first they didn’t like the fact that “anyone” (except we are password protected) could log onto our wiki and change their information. However, it only took a short time for students to appreciate the “collaborative effect”.
I especially want to thank you for the rubric. I am currently using one but when compared to this one I feel I need to make some changes.
Megan,
Isnt it amazing to see how two different parts of the world can still be connected and share content easily? Plus, with wikis they are able to edit and add content regularly with instant results! I find the outsourcing article pretty interesting especially shared views from both sides of the world on it. There are links and views which support and criticize both sides of the issue, which is a great learning experience! Great find!
Post a Comment