Current and Emerging Technology in Elementary Education – Using Wikis To Communicate with Teachers In Hawaiian, wiki translates to, “Hurry Hurry!” Wiki Video:

What’s Happening in Baltimore County Public Schools? At most Baltimore County Schools, there are two wikis – one for the library and another that is organized by the technology teacher. Teachers usually write wikis as a collective process. After someone creates a page, another teacher might add more content, edit the content, or add supporting links. The community of authors helps to ensure the accuracy and readability of the wiki.

Why a Wiki for Students? A collaborative Web that allows anyone to edit, delete or modify content. Students can build personalized, global learning networks. Another reason that a wiki is useful in education, is that it is a great way for students to do group work. Many students at once can access the wiki and upload writing and documents to a group project. Year Round Book Studies and Summer Book Studies Wiki Video:

Why a Wiki for Teachers? Collaboration is a very easy concept when using a wiki because it does not require all members to have a set time to meet. All members have access to everything on the wiki, so they can make suggestions or add ideas to each other’s contributions. (Example: Committee Collaboration) Can be used to collaborate before and after a Professional Development A great way to have a lesson study collaboration (perhaps between technology and the library) Submitting Team Notes Due Dates (Think back to privacy settings)

Why a Wiki for Teachers (Continued)? Interdisciplinary with Classroom and Special Area Teacher Collaboration between Special Education Teacher and Classroom Teacher Collaboration with Core Standards Use the wiki to Signing out computer Lab (also laptop lab, flip cams, Elmo Cart and other classroom spaces (such as library)

What is a Digital Native? Digital Natives are those who grew up with digital technology from birth, whereas Digital Immigrants are those who were already socialized in pre-digital ways when digital technology arrived on the scene. Marc Prensky (2001).

Digital Immigrants "A big part of our education problems stem directly from the fact that Digital Immigrants - who comprise most of our teachers - are not very fluent in the language that Digital Natives speak."- Marc Prensky

Why do we need to use wikis to collaborate? As teachers, we need to work with each other and our students to be able to use 21st Century tools in able to collaborate effectively with other teachers throughout our school, district, and the world. We need to enhance opportunities for collaboration on lessons that incorporate research, writing, and editing for a real life audience and in authentic situations. They are available 24/7 – no wait time. They are a much more efficient way to collaborate about committees, lesson studies, and to share a multitude of resources.

Current and Emerging Technology in Elementary Education Emerging Technology is defined as a media that is coming into view or coming into existence. It is an innovative technology that is reshaping the nature of education. Technologies are transforming classrooms into more engaging, collaborative and productive learning environments. Instructions can be customized to student’s specific needs, interests and learning styles. Technology is redefining the way educators teach as well as the role they serve – from being the sole source of information to being a guide, facilitator and coach in the learning process. Be the “Guide on the Side” and not the “Sage on the Stage.”

Do not waste teaching time with technology; enhance learning with technology! There is so much technology!!! Now you’re adding a wiki? How will the jive with everything else I have to do? Blogs Social Networks (Edmoto) Podcasts Digital Storytelling Document Projectors WiFi, Skype Teach using interactive Smart Boards iPads, iTouches, iPods, Cell Phones QR Codes Virtual Worlds, Vokis Voice Thread " Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Ben Franklin

Podcasts! A podcast is a recording of your voice. Audacity (free download) is an easy way to make the recording and import it to iTunes or to your wiki. There are currently professional developments on podcasts and Audacity! Four Steps to an Easy Podcast: 1. Plan 2. Record 3. Edit 4. Publish Podcasts! A podcast is a recording of your voice. Audacity (free download) is an easy way to make the recording and import it to iTunes or to your wiki. There are currently professional developments on podcasts and Audacity! Four Steps to an Easy Podcast: 1. Plan 2. Record 3. Edit 4. Publish

QR Codes Quick Response (QR) Codes. Create them at: Use QR Codes to provide mobile learning opportunites. For examples of how to use them in educational settings, go to: Download free Code Scanning APPS (i-nigma, Mobiletag, QR Reader, Paperlinks, etc. ) (

Digital Storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights. Tell your story now digitally. - Leslie Rule, Center for Digital StorytellingCenter for Digital Storytelling Digital storytelling uses tools of the computer, handhelds, and Internet, to create multi-media mixes of images and voice.

Fotobabble, Blabberize, and Voki Have students record songs, stories, or poems and record them (FREE) with Fotobabble, Blabberize, or Vokis. Fotobabble is a talking photo. Blabberize allows you to create your own talking picture with a moving mouth. Voki lets users express themselves on the web by using a personalized character (avatar) to talk for them or by using their own voice. Use Vokis on your blog, wiki, profile, and in messages.

Another tool to use in your wiki: Wordle and Tagxedo Wordle Links boazchoi/fortyfive- interesting-ways-to-use- wordle-in-the-classroom boazchoi/fortyfive- interesting-ways-to-use- wordle-in-the-classroom Wordle Sample

Tagxedo Tagxedo Mother’s Day Project Tagxedo Sample

ZooBurst is a digital storytelling tool where your students can create their own customized 3D pop-up books. These can be embedded on your class webpage. You Tube Video: dx2CaU Zooburst

Storybird Storybird is a web site that uses collaborative storytelling to connect kids and families. Two (or more) people create a Storybird in a round robin fashion by writing their own text and inserting pictures. They then have the option of sharing their Storybird privately or publicly on the network. The final product can be watched on screen or shared through a worldwide library. Links to wiki examples Story Bird Video:

Story Jumper Story Jumper is a website that allows kids to build their own books. They can easily create cover pages, add text, upload drawings or photos to illustrate their story, and can use the Story Jumper clipart gallery, too. When finished, they can order their own professionally published hardback book! Story Jumper is a website that allows kids to build their own books. They can easily create cover pages, add text, upload drawings or photos to illustrate their story, and can use the Story Jumper clipart gallery, too. When finished, they can order their own professionally published hardback book! Story Jumper Story Jumper is a website that allows kids to build their own books. They can easily create cover pages, add text, upload drawings or photos to illustrate their story, and can use the Story Jumper clipart gallery, too. When finished, they can order their own professionally published hardback book!

Story Jumper Story Starter Worksheet Your students can use this worksheet to organize their story. Then create their story on Story Jumper.

A blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal that is frequently updated. Kidblog.org is built by teachers, for teachers, so students can get the most out of the blogging process. Kidblog meets the need for a safe and simple blogging platform suitable for elementary and middle school students. Most importantly, Kidblog allows teachers to monitor and control all publishing activity within the classroom blogging community. Comment privacy settings block unsolicited comments from outside sources. Kidblog does not collect any personal information from teachers or students.

Implementing in your school.. Take a few months, maybe up to a year, and collect data on the needs of your teachers and staff. (i.e. see what they ask you about!) Then, implement your wiki at the beginning of the new school year If possible, share grade level share pages / special area pages / PTA pages etc. with the corresponding staff over the summer

“Oh, the places you’ll go!” “I speak for the trees” “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Question to Ponder… How do your teachers collaborate using the wiki in your school? If teachers are not collaborating in your school, what might be a first step for your school to start collaborating? How do you see teachers collaborating in the future at your school?