Wiki

= = Wiki Cathy Hager One of the most helpful ways to learn how to use a wiki is to watch the video [|www.commoncraft.com/wikis-plain-english]. I showed my students this video so that they would have an idea of what they can do with the wiki. Another helpful resource is the tour that is available within Wikispaces, [|www.wikispaces.com/site/tour]. But what I found was the most helpful is to actually demonstrate the wiki on the Smartboard in class so students can see firsthand what they need to do to navigate the space.

I have created a wiki for my classes here in Wikispaces. I felt that this would be a way that I could keep in contact with my students after school hours. I have set it up so that my classes have their own page and the content on the pages reflect what we are currently learning in class. This tool can be effective only if your students are willing to come along on the journey. My objective in using this tool was to aid students during after school hours reflect on the content and understand the material that was taught. I really did not have just one lesson plan that I used this tool for. It was a place where each lesson plan was detailed out and revisited so students could gain a better insight into the material. I was able to post videos of other teachers teaching the same lesson as I did in that unit so students will be able to see it at home when they may become confused doing their homework. I included a page where they can ask questions that I can address the next day in class without anyone knowing who asked the question. I was hoping that this tool would add to the lack of communication that sometimes occurs within a math class when students feel that they are smart or embarrassed to ask questions. One area that I felt that I was let down in was the fact that students did not join the wiki after I sent them invitations or the lack of response with asking for email addresses so that I could invite them. Also I live in an economically depressed area and the lack of home computers is prevalent. Many of my students don't own computers or have internet access. I am not sure how I am going to get my students interested in using the wiki. I know someone mentioned that I need to post an assignment that can only be completed when students visit the wiki. This may be an option because I do have access to a mobile lap and students can be given time during class to complete the assignment. This will be something I investigate in the coming weeks. I have a new set of students so I will be sending out new invitations so maybe I will get a better response.