Wikis+and+Web+2.0

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=**Wikis Validate Student Work**= > Wikis are Web 2.0 tools that allow multiple contributors to work asynchroniously on one website. Not only are contributors able to post their own material to the website, but they are also able to edit the contributions of others. The site is interactive. This wiki workshop is intended to act as both a guide and a model in developing content area classroom wikis. Building a wiki may seem like a daunting task, but it really is pretty easy, especially with support. For the most part, text or words are entered into a wiki just like entering text into a word document. Along the way, there are some tricks to jazz things up! But no worries! This site is intended to motivate and support you in your learning about technology as you motivate and support your students in their learning. In the spirit of education, we'll all learn something new along the way!
 * Provide authentic audience beyond the lone eye of the teacher
 * Allow collaboration among classmates
 * Create opportunities for working with contemporary technnology
 * Foster creativity and freedom of expression

= = == = = = = = = = = = = =How does the Wiki Work=

Collaborative Comparison
Let's explore the differences and similarities between what you know about conventional encyclopedias and what we can see in [|Wikipedia], the online free encyclopdia. Consider what you know about hard copy encyclopedias or reference books. Then, go to Wikipedia and see what it offers that corresponds to conventional texts. Below is a comparison chart template.Click here and you will be directed to a new page with a similar chart to complete.


 * || Hard Copy Reference Text || On-line Reference: Wikipedia || Personal Observations regarding value and authority ||
 * Authorship / Reliabilitiy ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Publication Dates / Timeliness ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Content: Breadth ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Content: Depth ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Cost ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Ease of Use ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Authority/Reliability ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Availabilty ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Index ||  ||   ||   ||

= = = = =I know....but how can a Wiki help me?=

Engage
A: Wikis are websites that can be viewed and authored by mutliple people. Your students don't have to be at the same place to work together. If a student is sick, she or he can still collaborate with their group from home. All they need is internet access.
 * Q:** I know collaboration is good for kids, but how can using a wiki help me engage kids that miss school?

**Motivate**
A: Wikis allow users to insert podcasts, blogs, videos and just plain text. Students have varied interests and the wiki can support each of their interests in buidling a diverse and interesting site. The students can take on roles that are authentic and appeal to their individudal interests: music, images, writing, editing, layout, etc.
 * Q:** I know collaboration is good for kids, but how can using a wiki help me motivate kids to work together?

Grade
A: Scroll up to the history tab at the top of this page and then click on it. What do you see? Every entry I have made while creating this site. You will also see every entry made as individuals added or changed the comparison table above. Do you see how that can help you with grades?
 * Q:** I know that collaboration is good for kids, but how can a wiki help me keep track of grades?

Coach
A: Scroll back up to the top of the page and click on the discussion tab (you'll see there is currently 1 discussion posted on this page). Open the dialogue box, click on the posting and respond.
 * Q:** This all sounds good, but what if I want to talk with an individual student or group of students and not want to post my comments on the wiki page for all the world to see?

**Protect**
A: When you create your wiki, you have choices about visibility to the public. Your students will need a password to view the wiki.
 * Q:** This all sounds good, but is a wiki safe from the public view?

A: No, not actually. Look at the top of this page. I have it protected so that it cannot be edited except by approved individuals.
 * Q:** Is it true that anyone can edit or change wiki pages?

A: There are free wiki spaces available and there are pay sites available; each offer various amenities.
 * Q:** Does it cost anything to be part of a wiki?

=Links to Worthy Wikis=

Internationally Acclaimed Sites

 * The Flat Classroom project is a global collaborative educational project begun just last year by Vicki Davis and Julie Lindsay. Inspired by Thomas Friedmnan's book //The World is Flat,// this wikispace has grown to include nine schools worldwide connecting to build an international wiki site.
 * Read more about the Web 2.0 tools used by Camilla, Georgia Computer Science teacher [|Vicki Davis'] and grade 11 Bangladesh teacher, [|Julie Lindsay].
 * [|CoLearners Wiki] was begun by David Warlick as "an experiment." Warlick had previously used Wikispaces but was looking for a more sophisticated wiki engine. When you see his new site, you'll know what I mean. I am thinking that if a school were to really want to use wikis, it could start with Wikispaces and then, for the high school students, move up to a more challenging format.
 * Read [|David Warlick's blog] to learn more about how he envisions and transforms technology through presentations and reflections.

Good Practical Teaching with Technology Sites

 * Estancia High School Wikispace has built an interactive project site to meet the needs of students as they prepare for the future. Among the goals: "To be active. To be real. To have purpose. To interact. To have **//FUN!"//** Sounds good to me!
 * Mr. Armstrong' US History Wiki replaces the textbook!! A highly developed wiki, Mr. Armstrong and his students incorporate music, lectures, videos and much more in his 8th grade history class.
 * Code Blue Wikispace engages 6th graders through technology and humor to learn about the human body.