A Wiki, Hawaiian for quick or fast, offers science teachers the ability to manage their science classroom curriculum and activities, along with providing interactive information for their students. Wikis also provide teachers the ability to work collaboratively with their students on project based learning activities. Teachers can provide students with online group study guides, resources, and links to podcasts. Also, students are able to work on group assignments or submit individual assignments.
In a sense, Wikis are similar to blogs. However, blogs tend to be one way communication with the teacher sharing information to students and others. Wikis are different because of it 's dynamic nature. This technological tool can be updated from any computer and from any location with internet access. Similar to blogs, wikis require no special software programs or HTML knowledge.
Controlled Access for Safety
Security of information and safety for students is not an issue, because teachers can limit access or allow open access to specific parts, for example:
- Viewing – teachers can open their Wiki to the public or limit to members only.
- Membership – teachers decide who can join; students, parents, invited guests, or the public.
- Protection – because of the collaborative nature of Wikis, teachers can lock specific sections so other members cannot modify.
- Moderation – teachers can moderate all aspects of their Wiki for appropriateness.
- Notification – teachers can set up instant notification when a member makes a post or changes any aspect of the Wiki.
Teaching Strategies and Techniques
Applications of Wiki use in science classrooms are only limited by the creativeness of the teacher and students to support science learning. The following are a few examples.
Students collaborate by:
- defining science terms using images
- links to detailed explanations
- online videos on Teacher Tube
Glossary of Scientific Terms
- Example: students develop an interactive glossary for defining physical science terms throughout the entire school year.
Taxonomy – a student developed identification, naming, and classification of living things during their life science or biology course.
- Example: students develop the taxonomy of specific plants using definitions and images.
Investigations – student groups report on experimental designs and submit investigation reports to their teacher.
- Example: students collaborate in the investigation of the mystery, why honey bees are are disappearing.
- Visit Science Case Studies and Problem Based Learning for additional information.
- Example: students work with students in other parts of the country or countries to determine acidity of rain.
Visual Arts – students groups can collaborate in research to find web-based resources which describe scientific processes using works of art.
- Example: students upload images or animations which visually represent how mountains are formed.
Advantages of this Technology
The advantage of Wikis is they involve students in an interactive manner in science class. This allows the science learning process to become more inquiry-based, as students are more actively engaged in the learning process.
Wikis provide opportunity for students to make connections between science concepts and ideas. They work collaboratively with other students to synthesize and share information for others to view.. They have ownership in their own learning, are moderated by their teacher, and are presented with challenges for all student levels.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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