WikisSpring2010

A **wiki** is [|software] that allows users to create, edit, and [|link] web pages easily. Wikis are often used to create [|collaborative] [|websites] and to power community websites."

I think wikis are cool!

Check these sites out:

Article from T.H.E. Journal about wikis

[|PBWiki]

[|Scribe Post Hall of Fame]

[|Wiki Search Engine]

Please feel free to tell about your experiences with wikis or how you used them or would like to use them in your classroom. Add any links you feel are appropriate. (To add a link, click the "Insert link icon" and put your link text in the box that comes up.) As you add your comments (just click on Edit This Page at the top), I can click on recent changes and see who made them. You can also do this. My comments are in blue. **Please post your comment below mine and put your first name at the end**. Thanks, Jennifer

The first time I used a wiki page was last summer through WIlkes -- a PLS class. I am a 4th grade teacher in the Easton Area School District and I haven't had the opportunity to use this format with the student yet. I sometimes find them confusing, but I also like how people can interact and post comments. I really don't think they would be appropriate for 4th graders, just because they are still learning the computer basics. However, I do like the ideas that were shared here. --Tracy B.

The only place I’ve used a wiki was in a PLS class. I found them easy to use and can see that they have a lot of potential. To me they are a great way of sharing information. I can see using them for assignments in class that require collaborative writing. Each student can work from home or school on the same document to create a final product together. On a small group project we did recently, a wiki would have worked perfectly for the students to put together their summary and presentation on an alternative vehicles or fuel. They were responsible to do independent research, but then use the information to put together one product. A wiki would have easily allowed them to do so! I also can see wikis as a place where several people could get together and share ideas and easily interact with several other people. Thanks! Tina T.

The only experience I have had with Wikispaces was at my last teaching job. Our school had homeroom everyday and we needed to log into our grade level Wiki everyday and go over the "lesson" for that day in our designated homeroom. The Wikispace was fun to use, but I don't think it was the best way to utilize the use of it. So I then made my own wiki that I was going to use for my classes with my students the following school year to post homework and even the days lessons that I could save through the Promethium Board. But unfortunately, I left that school and I never did follow through with doing that with the wiki at my new school. I teach at a cyber school now, so all my lessons and assignments are already posted and even posted in advance so it wouldn't be as useful in my current teaching position. In a regular brick and mortar school I think this would be really fun and useful to get the students involved more with the class. Thanks, Katie W.

I have actually no idea what Im doing to be honest. This is the first time I've ever experienced a Wiki site. Although I have read about it and know some details as to how it could be benefical within a classroom setting, I have never experienced it first hand. It almost took me 30 minutes just to figure out how to find the location of where I was supposed to post a response and then finally find out how to write on this page. So I would have to say this was the most challanging assignment for me to date. I am just beginning at my school to have a classroom website and only this week will I be implementing that process, so Im hoping that I will learn some of the features that the Wiki has that may be beneficial for my classroom webpage. Thanks. Tarah G

Wikis are definitely an interesting tool. My experience has only been using and retrieving information from Wikis. I personally have never had my own, however, I feel like our district uses a wiki for EVERYTHING. You name it, there is a Wiki. I use the school’s wikis to access school information which includes school updates, staff calendar etc. There are also separate wikis for social studies, math, writing etc. each providing information and curriculum resources. I know a couple teachers who have wikis for their classroom homepage and they all say it’s fairly easy to set up. The only time I have ever interacted with a Wiki was during my student teaching. My cooperating teacher had students type their writing into a Wiki and other students went in using the highlighter tool to edit, revise, and post comments. It seems to be a great idea. They could access it at home as well. After the PSSAs, I may possibly do a similar activity if I can figure out how to use them! Victoria

This is the first time I have heard of Wiki. My first thought was if this was related to wikipedia!!?? I did some research through the internet and found a lot of information as to how it can be used in the classroom,, such as posting school wide information. I know of one teacher who has used wiki before, but her husband taught her, not our district! Our district has teacher websites, that we are lucky of most teachers update theirs once a year. I happen to enjoy using my website for parent information and for the students as well. This is somthing that would be interesting to use in our elementary school. It seems fairly easy to use, especially is some sort of training was provided. ~Stephanie S.

Well, I'm in "Wiki World" and I have no idea if what I'm typing is going to show up. I sure hope so. This is obviously my first time posting anything on a Wiki. Like Victoria, my only experience has been using and retrieving information from Wiki's (Wikipedia, etc...) I'm not too fond of it, at this point, but guess I have some learning to do. It was quite the journey getting here and I'm glad I survived :) Well, I'm going to head back to our discussion forum now. What a quiet, little cozy world that is! Bye, for now - Chad B. :)

This is also the first time I've used a Wiki, let alone seen one. I have heard them mentioned quite a bit by one of my professors last semester but we never did anything with them. I went online and seached through the internet and there's lots of information worth reading and plenty of sites that can help individuals set up their own. I think this would be a great way to share information throughout a school but I would feel comfortable using wikis if there was training on how to use them effectively with students. Ann W.

Hello! This is the first time I was ever part of a Wiki. I have no idea what this is about and how to use it. In order for me to feel more comfortable using a Wiki I would require a great deal of training. I think finding out about new technology is great and trying it first hand helps, but I still feel stressed. As I am typing this response I am wondering how do I keep the words posted once I try to leave? Holly Noll