For the Technology Classroom Wikis For the Technology Classroom

Objectives Define wikis and connect them to 21st century learning skills. Identify ways wiki can be used in the technology classroom. Identify resources and create a basic classroom wiki Link the wikis together to start forming a CHS Tech. Ed. Network.

What is a Wiki? In your own words describe a wiki. What are some advantages that a wiki can give a teacher in the classroom?

What is a wiki? A wiki is a website that uses wiki software, allowing the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, and for note taking. The collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis. "the simplest online database that could possibly work.“ - Ward Cunningham

How can Wikis help improve 21st century skills? Learning and Innovation Skills Communication and Collaboration Life and Career Skills Social and Cross-cultural Skills Information, Media and Technology Skills ICT (Information, communication & technology) Literacy

So how can we use wikis? How can it be used to improve the curriculum in the technology classroom? Can wikis help with differentiating instruction? How? What would it look like? (your vision)

Before we get started: Where to go There are many free wiki sites. Two of the biggest sites are: PBWorks (formally PBWiki) Wikispaces Both have advantages and disadvantages and I am currently leaning toward wiki spaces but if you already have a wiki somewhere else feel free to use it.

Before we get started: Resources Here is a great tool to help you create a wiki on wikispaces. http://powerboostnecc09.wikispaces.com/ This Wiki has links to some examples and resources. http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/

Time to Build In the next 30 min. use the information we have gathered and create a Wiki site for your classroom. This should be one site that all your classes can go and share information. You can use either PBWorks or Wikispaces to create your space. If you already have a space start planning how you are going to organize it for the coming school year. Explore the features of the wiki e.g. embed a teacher tube video

Lets get connected Now that you have a basic wiki, I want link it to the Chesapeake Technology site. Check your email; I have invited you to join the wiki. You will have administrative rights and will need to create a link between this wiki and your own.

Lets get connected Click on the edit tab

Lets get connected Highlight your name and click the insert link button

Lets get connected If you are linking to another Wikispace you will use the Wiki Link tab If it an external site like PBWorks then use the external link tab.

Let check our progress Now we will look at our wikis together http://chesapeaketeched.wikispaces.com/ What do we like or dislike about working in the wiki environment?

Next Steps Earlier I asked you to think of your vision of your classroom wiki. Now we need to start building on that vision. How will you use the wiki to differentiate and enhance your instruction? What else do we need (professional development) to successfully use wikis in the classroom and fulfill your vision?

Review Today we: Defined wikis and connected them to 21st century learning skills. Identify ways wiki can be used in the technology classroom. Identify resources and create a basic classroom wiki Link the wikis together to start forming a CHS Tech. Ed. Network.

Questions Were we successful today? Take the professional development poll by clicking on the professional development poll link on chesapaketeched wiki home page or go to http://chesapeaketeched.wikispaces.com/Professional+development+poll

References Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki http://powerboostnecc09.wikispaces.com/ http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ http://www.pbworks.com http://www.wikispaces.com