Educators are constantly seeking new strategies for using Wikis in the classroom. This is especially true for teachers who have formulated some ideas; however, they are still looking for additional ideas. Even teachers who have been using this technology for quite some time are on the lookout for new ideas. Regardless of being new to Wiki or a veteran, new strategies and techniques for engaging students are just around the corner.
Wikis are one of the easiest Web 2.0 applications on the Internet to use, no downloading of software required and works just like a word processing program. The use of this technological tool has grown tremendously in the past years with more than 180,000 in classroom use today (Wikispaces for Educators Website, June 2009). They are free for educators, advertisement free, and have controlled access to ensure student information remains private.
Strategies for Using Wikis in Education
Just because a teacher builds a Wiki, does not mean that it will automatically engage students in learning. Planning for integration of Wikis requires rethinking teaching strategies and techniques to take advantage of their full potential.
Here are five examples of how Wikis can be used in the classroom.
1. Collaborative Projects using Wikis. This technology tool is ideal for project-based learning, cross curricular projects in middle school teams, and thematic units. One advantage of Wikis in collaborative projects is that they are online.
Students with access to the Internet outside of school can work together to complete projects without having to be in school. Also, just like none Wiki projects; defining roles and clearly defining the activity, along with assessments are crucial to the success of collaborative learning projects using this strategy.
One example is when student groups complete a research project focused on a specific tribe of American Indians.
Other examples of using Wikis are math class and science class.
2. Students Demonstration of Knowledge. Students provide information that fits within specific parameters on the Wiki to demonstrate what they have learned. One example is when students create original work that fits within the ABC format.
One page is designated for each letter of the alphabet and students submit written work and pictures (citing sources) to explain what they just learned in a social studies, math, English, or science unit. A second example is when students create a timeline of United States historical events from 1800 to 1850.
3. Online Resources for Classroom Use. A list of websites that provided appropriate information related to subject content is provided by the teacher for student use during the school year. The advantages are:
- Websites can be added that meet school district website filtering requirements.
- The list is dynamic, because websites can be added or deleted as better online resources are located.
- Students are provided with acceptable online resources for their school work.
4. Wikis as a Classroom Webpage. This strategy provides everyday information for students use during the school year.
The advantage is that everything a teacher needs and students use is centrally located, eliminating the need for maintenance of a separate website and learning to use special software.
Examples of things that can be on a Wiki classroom webpage are calendar of events, newsletters, homework assignments, handouts, notes, science safety rules, classroom rules, power point presentations, pictures of students in class working on projects, and parent permission forms.
Remember that access is controlled by the teacher, typically only given to students and their parents.
5. Wiki Filing Cabinet. Teachers can store files, images, videos, and other information in a special teacher access controlled area of the classroom Wiki.
One advantage is that the teacher can enter the information anytime and from anywhere using the Internet. This is great for weekends or over the summer when teachers cannot enter their school.
Other examples of information that can be stored in a teacher’s Wiki filing cabinet are information for upcoming newsletters, artifacts of student work, drafts of projects being developed, everyday life in the classroom for a scrapbook, and backup resources.
Making Connections with Wikis in the Classroom
Integration of a Wiki in the classroom requires a new approach to teaching and learning for engaging students. A traditionalists approach such as fill-in-the-blanks or presenting lecture notes does not take advantage of a Wikis full potential.
Using a student-centered approach where students identify the blanks themselves and contribute content are the beginning steps of integrating Wikis. To effectively integrate a Wiki in the classroom, students must participate in the process of sharing information and demonstrating understanding of content with the teacher and other students.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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