Imagine a world in which students could access class work anytime, anywhere, and learning happened all the time. Young people going online for class study guides, reviewing notes, practicing math problems with classmates or sharing essays and reflections, is not a fantasy. It’s a reality in many k-12 communities. Educational wikis provide students access to anywhere, anytime to classroom lessons and resources. Teachers are finding out how online learning activities can help students succeed, as well as promote family-home communications and provide collaborative workspaces for educators. This tool engages students in the world they are already accustomed to. Students speak the language of the web; they operate in a digital world full of rich media and connections. Free online digital tools for the classroom are resources we cannot afford to ignore.
Wikis and other collaborative tools for teachers are a big hit in Boston Public Schools. In the past two years, over 300 teachers have participated in a wiki workshop or course through OIIT’s Professional Development. Teachers, principals, teacher leaders, new teacher developers, and family and engagement centers among others are using wikis to provide resources to their schools and community groups. And this is just the tip of the iceberg! Check out Mr Hupe’s wiki at the Mckinley Middle School. You can also find OIIT's wiki on BPS Connect which contains a wealth of educational technology and how-to resources.
Why are so many educators using wikis? They are easy and quick, which is what the Hawaiian word means. Wiki is “quick”. Once you’ve created an account in wikispaces, google sites, or a number of other free wiki sites, it’s easy for educators to design and populate a wiki with rich content that is interactive and engaging. Wikis are web pages that allow members to connect to one another, share files and media, post resources, and plan projects. Some wikis are being used for online courses, engaging participants in in-depth discussions in the forums section of the wiki. New Teacher Developers used a wiki for beginning teachers to organize course content, to reflect and collaborate with other members of the class.Wikis operate much like a Word document turned web page. On the wiki, it’s easy to write a message, post a document, add or embed video, display photos, and add Internet links to educational websites. The rich multi-media environment is diverse and provides the differentiation that is often needed in the classroom to individualize learning. Slide shows, study guides, videos, podcasts, and links to educational websites that enhance student learning, as well as engagement and outcomes for student achievement are available anytime and anywhere. We have the opportunity engage, excite, and intensify the learning experience, and at the same time prepare our students with the skills they’ll need for success in 21st Century careers and lifelong learning. Here is Smartteachings' collections of 50 ways to use wikis in the k-12 classroom.
If you build it they will come!
Well, building it is really only the beginning. Like other resources and tools for learning, Wikis are only as good as the plan, the purpose, and the design for its use that will make them come and learn, and come back again. Sustaining a classroom wiki is a commitment on the part of the teacher to monitor, to update it and to promote its use. In addition to setting up a wiki, it's important for teachers to ensure safe and responsible behavior online by adhering to these guidelines:
- Receive permission from your principal or headmaster before implementing a wiki or blog project with your students.
- Make sure all students and parents have signed the District's Acceptable Use Policy from the student handbook and that the document is on file at the school.
- Send a letter home to parents explaining what the project is and the expected learning goals of the students. Give parents the option to opt their students out of the project if they do not feel comfortable with it.
- Before you begin the project, take the opportunity to educate students about appropriate use of online tools and discussions. For more information about cybersafety, check out the BPS Cybersafety Campaign.
- Keep in mind your responsibility regarding student confidentiality. At no time should confidential student information be made available on an any wiki or blog including first and last names.
- If you are allowing people to comment on your wiki or blog, please set it up so that you moderate those comments before they are published as this will help to eliminate any inappropriate or spam comments being added.
- Student work and pictures of students should not be posted unless you have explicit parental consent pertaining to this project. All last names should be omitted from pictures posted online.
Setting up a Wiki for class study guides, collaborative learning environments, student reflections on the week’s readings, or links to curriculum resources has the potential to draw students into extended learning activities. While reinforcing class content they are also learning important collaboration and communication skills. Teachers are opportunistic, always seeking out the next best resource tool to support their teaching efforts and their student’s success at school. That’s why tools like wikis are a popular choice for 21st century learning.
These are just a few recommended guidelines to help you get started using web 2.0 tools with your classroom. If you have any questions, please contact OIIT. If you would like to inquire about receiving professional development on using online collaboration tools, contact Ed Considine with OIIT at econsidine@boston.k12.ma.us.
