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Wikispaces

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Overview 

The term "wiki" is derived from the phrase "wiki-wiki," which is Hawaiian for "quick."
Either one person or a group of people can edit and publish wikis quickly and easily.  This is an excellent tool for collaboration.  Settings in the wiki can allow you to monitor changes to the webpage either by email or by RSS feed.  Editing tools are beneficial on a wiki such as using the "history" page to revert to a previous entry.  All entries are trackable by username and retrievable.  One awesome feature of a wiki is the ability to include a widget. A widget is a small snippet of code that allows users to view or manipulate text or information on a website. The video at the top of this page and the sign-in form on the home page are widgets.

Common Craft video

 

Curricular Connections

General Ideas

  • create a page for each student to monitor work
  • update parents on classroom happenings
  • run a classroom from the site (post all resources, notes, etc.)
  • create your own "textbook" on a topic
  • divide students into groups for research assignments

Math

  • explain the steps in a math procedure, for example converting a fraction to a percent
  • long problems or proofs may be worked on collaboratively through a wiki
  • write about and illustrate real lfie situations where they applied and used math, for example calculating tip in a restaurant

Science

  • create a glossary to define scientific terms including digital photos to illustrate the terms
  • explain a science experiment with pages for each step of the Scientific Method
  • record observations or collaborate with another school on a science project

Social Studies

  • create a "fan club" for famous Americans or create a "mock debate" forum
  • make a travel brochure wiki to advertise different cultures or time periods in history
  • document experiences or conduct interviews using a wiki

Language Arts

  • create vocabulary lists or study guides of "what I think will be on the test" which students create and maintain through the wiki
  • create a FAQ page or KWL chart
  • list books students have read and reviewed throughout the year for an author study or "fan club" for favorite authors
  • write an encyclopedia that the class makes on a topic which is continued and expanded each year with a new group of students

Any curriculum area can use a wiki! Click here for more wiki ideas!

   

FCPS Examples

Elementary:
4th Grade, FCPS, Katie Cheng
4th Grade, FCPS, Regina Ryan
5th Grade, Greenville Schools, Ms. Abernethy

Secondary:
AP English, FCPS, Timothy "Chip" Newcombe
8th Grade Science, Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School (2010)
 

Equipment Needed: 

  • computer with Internet connection
  • educator account to Wikispaces (When creating your classroom wiki account make sure to choose "private" and check the box "I certify this space will be used for K-12 education.")

 

Tutorials:
Creating Wikispaces Student Accounts

Wikispaces Quick Guide 

Additional Resources:
Getting Tricky with Wikis
Wikispaces Tour