Wikis - Social Studies

By: Michael Moya

What is a Wiki?

A Wiki is a combination of a website and a word document that can be used for educators in the classroom. It can be read like any other website by educators, students, and parents. No access privileges are necessary. It allows groups to collaboratively work on a content of a site using just a standard web browser. A Wiki allows you to keep track of the history of a document as it is revised. Every time a user makes a change to a Wiki page that revision now becomes the current version. The older version can be stored. Wikis in education is a tool for increasing the amount of collaborative work done by teachers and students. Students can use a Wiki to collaborate on a group report, compile date, or share results of research with others.

"Why Wiki in Education" : a youtube video about importance of Wikis in education

How to create a Wiki:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Step 5:

Using Wikis in the Classroom:

Colorado Standard 4.3- The teacher demonstrates the ability to apply expert content knowledge to enrich and extend student learning.

The teacher learns the Web 2.0 tool of Wikis so that it can be applied to the classroom. The teacher then masters this tool so that students can use the same tool for learning in the classroom. Students will be introduced to Wikis through direct teaching. The tool of Wikis will go beyond the textbook to teach Social Studies concepts. After mastering the tool of Wikis, the teacher becomes the expert and enriches and extends student learning.

Colorado Standard 7.1- The teacher demonstrates the ability to apply technology to the delivery of standard-based instruction, 7.2- uses technology to increase student achievement, 7.3- utilizes technology to manage and communicate information, and 7.5- instructs students in basic technology skills.

By 4^th grade students should come into the classroom with basic technology skills. Wikis extends this basic skill. Through Wikis, standard-based instruction will be enriched through exposing students to this tool. After completion of each grade level, Wikis will increase student achievement through cooperative learning groups. Wikis will teach students how to manage information through note taking, fact finding, presentations, and collaborative group projects. Students learn how to communicate with peers on the Wikis tool through continuous editing and posting of information. This tool will one day replace the social studies textbook.

National Technology Standard 1- The teacher will facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. 1a- The teacher will model, promote, and support creative innovative thinking and inventiveness. 1b- The teacher will engage students in exploring real world issues through the use of the Wikis and communication on the internet. 1d- Students will be engaged in learning as the teacher models collaborative learning.

This technology tool creates interest in the students in the subject of Social Studies as it no longer restricts learning to the textbook and teacher lecture. Student interest enhances learning. The tool teaches students to be creative through peer learning and online exploration. Current real world issues will be investigated online through the use of the Wikis. This information cannot be discovered in a textbook. The tool is designed for cooperative learning and discourages individual based learning.

National Technology Standard 2- The teacher will design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments.

Students completed projects will serve as the assessment.

National Standard 3- The teacher will model digital-age work and learning.

Students will become fluent in technology and Wikis by documenting learned knowledge and transferring this knowledge to new technologies and situations.

Basic Classroom Uses of the Wikis:

Create online text for the classroom.
Students use a Wikis to publish information about a topic that they are investigating.
Create collaboration opportunities between classes, districts, and other schools around the world. Opportunities for students to collaborate with other students and share what they have learned.
Opportunities for the teacher to find new strategies and techniques for engaging students.
Project-based learning, cross curricular projects, and thematic units.

Wikis Ideas for Social Studies:

Students research and create Wiki page for their favorite presidential candidate for the upcoming election.
It can be used as a virtual tour of your school as students learn about “community”.
It can be used for documenting historical buildings, events, and famous people within the community.
Opportunities for adult community members to provide their input in student learning in the Wikis.
To create a travel brochure for different historical and cultural locations.
Research of different Native American tribes, cultures, and ethnic groups.

Resources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ8TiE_qKIM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1xPZb1tAoM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IYwp66aCfI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIGfelY1SXc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtgo1Quje6c

http://teaching-with-technology.wikispaces.com/Wikis+in+Education

http://suite101.com/article/5-strategies-for-using-wikis-in-the-classroom-a124331

http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/wikiideas1.cfm

http://tep.uoregon.edu/shared/blogswikispodcasts/WikisBiblio.pdf