It’s a Wiki World

Did you know that “wiki-wiki” means “fast” in Hawaiian?

By Rachel Burns and Dawn LanzarottaMason Middle School

Did you know ? Wikipedia is a wiki!

Have you ever used Wikipedia?

What is it?

Wiki + (enclyclo)pedia= An encyclopedia on a wiki.

Let’s take a look. . . www.wikipedia.com

How is Wikipedia like our wiki?

PageDiscussionHistory

What is a wiki?

A wiki is a website that anyone who is a member can view, add to, or edit.

Why We Used A Wiki

To increase student motivation and effort in all stages of the writing process.

To improve peer feedback and collaboration.

To provide an authentic audience for student writing.

To enhance student learning through the use of technology.

How We’ve Used Wikis To write, peer edit, publish & respond to

how-to articles (research-based papers).

To post videos & activities for students.

For students to collaborate outside of class on group writing projects.

To publish student work, digital photos, and videos.

Student How-to Articles (Research-based Papers)

How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

Peer Editing on a Wiki

Sample Peer Editing Responses

Student Reflections

Peer Feedback after Publishing

Group Projects

Frequently Asked Questions Is it safe?

What are the advantages/disadvantages?

How do I get started?

Is it safe for students? Mason City Schools has purchased a wiki

space for teachers.

This secure wiki allows only our students and staff members to view and edit the wiki.

After creating a class wiki, teachers can choose which students and staff members can view the site. Teachers can allow membership for a whole team or restrict membership to only one class.

Seek Approval.

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that you contact your administrators and technology coordinator before creating a wiki for students regarding:

school policies procedures

approved web sites security issues

Some advantages to a wiki:Students can read and respond to their

classmates work.

It provides an authentic, meaningful audience for students throughout the writing process.

It improves student motivation and effort.

Students can collaborate on assignments.

Compatibility is not an issue. Anyone who can access the web can access the wiki.

Problem Solution

No spell check Type in Word, spell check, copy and paste into the wiki.

Inserting clip art is a two-step process

Save to the desktop or file, upload & insert into the wiki space.

Time involved in learning process Kids pick it up quickly; they can apply what they’ve learned to future assignments; help feature is user friendly.

Student can edit each other’s wiki Teachers can track changes; students can revert to previously-saved drafts.

Some disadvantages to a wiki:

Why create a class wiki?

It’s the way of the world.

Kids today are a technology generation.

Technology is motivational.

Wikis can be incorporated into units and/or assignments that you already do.

How do I get started creating a wiki?

1. Contact your building administrator for permission.

2. Contact your technology coordinator to help you get started.

3. Explore the helpful wiki space websites listed on our handout.

Conclusion Activity

Questions & Answers