Friday, June 17, 2011
Wiki Creation
After reading the wonderful uses of wikis, I was looking so forward to beginning the process. Creating the wiki was simple; however, developing rules and expectations was a different story. As a new user of wikis, I struggled with foreseeing all of the problems that could arise. While I read others' rules, I considered which I feel are helpful and which I feel too restrictive or not restricting enough. I thought about the students that I taught this past year and the trials that I faced when we accessed technology. I also considered the expectations that I have in my physical classroom. I do not believe in listing every restriction as a classroom rule. With these things in mind, I began developing my rules page. Though it is short, I like the idea that changes can be made as necessary. The editing function will be a lifesaver to new users like me. I have already renamed the page as I felt expectations was a better description than rules. I hope that as I continue learning, I will be able to develop a wiki that is both educational and fun for the students.
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though developing rules are important for use, I am extremely excited about getting my students to learn history using technology. I like the fact that I can shape and change my wiki page anytime. Wikis could be a very valuable tool to use for students, teachers, and parents.
ReplyDeleteI think you are on the right track with expectations, not rules. Too many rules take the fun of wikis out of the equation. Any mistakes in the past were accidental and nothing that couldn't be fixed. Every group using technology can be completely different, so the "wait and see" approach is probably a smart one. Many times you will see students regulating themselves and each other.
ReplyDeleteExpectations is a more appealing way of phrasing it that often gets a better student response. The ability to change as we go is one of the best features as your students may come up with some expectations that you hadn't thought of once they all get going and involved. We're all learning as we go and sometimes it is very challenging to stay one step ahead of the kids as they've grown up with the technology and some of us haven't. They do, however, surprise us sometimes with their ability to self-police and get their peers back on the right track. I believe that happens more frequently when they are interested, involved in the learning and having some fun and technology often makes those things easy.
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