http://eslwikiwise.wikispaces.com/ An introduction to the what, why and how of using wikis in the ESL classroom. made for PD on site at Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre- 2010 Francine Harvey

1. Professional Development
2011

2. What is a wiki?
A wiki is a website where teachers and students share:
 work
 ideas
 feelings and opinions
in a safe and monitored environment.

3. How much is it?
A few hours initially
Then you just add as you go along...it gets easier and
easier.
Wikis on wikispaces.com are free!

4. Why would I use a wiki?

5.  You can support the unique needs of ESL learners through:
 Visual Aides
 Message abundancy through multiple learning styles
 Audio Files that allow for multiple hearings
 Direct links to the „real world‟ safely and easily.
 Flash Video (linked or uploaded) for visual reinforcement

6. They love chatting in a novel (yet familiar) way.

7. The wiki can provide students with opportunities
to chat, share ideas and build friendships.

8.  A wiki can teach students how to learn, to enjoy learning
and take risks on their learning journey.

9. A wiki can be used to prompt, invite, encourage and
teach students through mail and discussions.

11. Organise a lesson with a sequence of tasks.
Add links to useful websites and upload your files for
students to view on line ….paperless!
Students progress through tasks at their own pace
= classroom differentiation!

12. On the wiki tell your students what you are
teaching them or what you taught them in
class, this can work as a revision. Also
homework and weekly tasks.

13. students benefit from seeing each others work yet this
rarely happens in the classroom.

15. Your wiki is private. All actions are transparent and no
member actions or comments are anonymous with the
“Wiki Statistics” tool on Wikispaces.com.

16. When is it good to use a wiki?
 When the wiki activity helps to develop an awareness of language
 When the wiki activity increases communication amongst language
learners
 When the wiki activity engages learners and tempts them to
participate more fully
 When the wiki activity portrays, and helps to understand and deal
with, real life issues, questions and problems
 When the wiki activity is showcasing student computer generated
work
 When the wiki activity allows for peer feedback and constructive
criticism of student work and ideas
 When the wiki activity builds a sense of community and belonging

17. When is it not so good to use
the wiki?
 When it fails to do any of those last points.
 ...or indeed hampers them!

18. OK, I’m convinced
Show me one!