Wikis

__**Wikis**__**:

//What is a Wiki?// / ?Que es un Wiki?**

Esta un video de Wiki en espanol para los estudiantes de paises latinos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIgk8v74IZg

A Wiki is a web site that allows visitors to add and remove content.

A Wiki is a collection of extensively linked web pages, stored in a database, that is collaboratively written. Depending upon how the Wiki is set up, anyone might be able to edit it, or changes may be limited to a specific group of writers.

Web pages that allow users to add content (i.e. an Internet forum) permits others (often completely unrestricted) to edit the content.

The term Wiki also refers to the collaborative software (Wiki engine) used to create such a web site (see Wiki software).

The best known Wiki space is http://www.wikipedia.com. Coming in a close second is the much more useful and relevant space, http://matteachingwriting.wikispaces.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42kmSsq2ySM (this YouTube video gives a demonstration about how to use Wikispaces. Not only is it useful, but we're using technology to teach about technology! How convenient.)

http://ncteinbox.blogspot.com/2008/06/wiki-collaborative-authorship-made-easy.html (describes what a Wiki is and how it can be used in the classroom)

//http://www.huffenglish.com/?p=112//// (describes how a Wiki can be used in the classroom)


 * What free resources are available to create a Wiki?

http://www.wikispaces.com/**// (The Wikispace is a more general Wiki creating took. It is useful, but not specifically geared for classroom use.)

http://www.pbwiki.com (The PB Wiki is very useful for classrooms. They are safe environments for students to engage in school activities outside of the classroom.)


 * //What are web sites that have examples or models of Wikis used for educational purposes?//**

http://blog.wikispaces.com/2008/06/wikispaces-connecting-teachers-students-and-parents.html
 * This link is a blog that allows students, teachers, and parents to discuss the benefits of having a Wikispace for the classroom. It is a useful tool for determining the possible uses of Wikis in educational settings.

//Professional (about teaching)//
 * http://literacyinnovations.wikispaces.com/** (describes how technology can be used in the Language Arts classroom)

//Wikis by Teachers (for students)// http://huffenglish.pbwiki.com //(an English teacher's Wiki for her classes)//
 * //http://matteachingwriting.wikispaces.com///** (I couldn't resist!)

Wikis by Students (for an assignment) http://loislowryauthorstudy.wikispaces.com/ (a student-generated Wiki about Lois Lowry) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvgINs2bVHo (this is a YouTube video of a student maximizing the capabilities of his Wiki)

//**How could Wikis be used with the following audiences:**//

-Students can post their assignments to Wikispaces to be edited or published. This also might be a useful tool to make peer-review anonymous and confidential. -Students can create Wikispaces for various concepts, characters, and texts that are used in the book. As an assignment each student can contribute to the Wikispace. This can take the form of a jigsaw-esque activity.
 * Students (i.e. writing assignments, class activities)

-Teachers can post lesson plans, assignments, and activities on the class Wikispace so that students and parents can have access to these materials without having to call the teacher or the school. -Teachers can also get ideas and share ideas for lessons and activities on a professional Wikispace.
 * Faculty (i.e. resource sharing, professional development)

-Parents will be able to communicate with other parents and do PTA-esque activities. They will be able to post meeting minutes and voice questions and concerns. -Parents can also choose to post their child's work on the Wiki instead of on the refrigerator. -Students, teachers, and parents can all hold forums and discussion on the Wiki. This will allow for informal interactions in a technological arena.
 * Parents (i.e. communication, sharing of student work)


 * //What could be problematic about Wikis? What should teachers consider when they think about using Wikis in their classrooms?//**

Students, parents, and outside people might be able to post whatever they want, regardless of if it is appropriate or not. Since this technology is relatively new, you could just tell students that you have the webpage and not tell them that they can edit. There also could be some privacy issues with students interacting on the internet. The Wikispace could possibly become a site for relational aggression and bullying type behavior. Such issues on the Wikispace must be closely monitored by a moderator. 