Jun 13 2008
Thing #8: Using Wikis in Education
I was very impressed at how simple Vicki Davis’ assignment/project was for her first Wiki. It was simple but promoted learning about the new technology.
I definitely think a Wiki would help me to collaborate with the teachers on their curriculum units. The problem now in trying to collaborate is that there is just not enough time. A Wiki would provide the method to share resources in bits and snatches of time.
A Wikki would be a good means to introduce/review the locations of the different sections in the library. Students would enter the information in the Wikki. Then, using a Flic camera, students could photograph their section of the library as they lead a talking tour through that section. The video would then be embedded in the Wikki.
Another Wikki task would be assigning each student a particular task involved in using the electronic databases and the OPAC. Again, this would be entered on the Wikki, and students would use the Flic camera to make a video explaining how to use the electronic databases. Then, as before, the video would be embedded in the Wikki pages.
A third possible Wikki could be on Research Skills.
As I read the many Wikkis recommended for the course, I saw how each student contributed their specific page/part. The history page helped determine the amount of contribution of each team member. This can be easily seen in the Oregan Trail Wikki in the Room 15 book reviews. I was also impressed by the professional Wikki of Jennifer Dorman. The number of resources, tutorials, presentations, and podcasts are almost unbelievable. What a contribution she has made to education!
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You have some great ideas! I would love to touch base and collaborate on some of your ideas. I’m also a media specialist and have used wikis to introduce research projects in the library, but I have been hesitant to have students actually write on the wikis. I’m in an elementary library and not all the students have email addresses, which seemed to be the best way to have them log in. I haven’t progressed this far in my Web 2.0 class, so maybe I will pick up some additional ways to allow the students to participate. I have used wikis to start projects and then it is a great way to pull together websites for the students to use for their online research. I can’t wait to get to Thing #8 now and get some new ideas!