1. This is a “Wiki”d Good Introduction on… Using Wiki’s in the Classroom

2. Why use a Wiki? We’ll start with the most obvious reasons for why we (as teachers) should create and use wiki’s to use in our classrooms. Then we’ll move into the heart of the matter- How will Wiki’s help our students? Easy-it really is easy to create and use a wiki, I’ll show you soon! Free-Pbwiki or Wikispaces. Free. Engaging-Let’s meet our technologically native students where they are and broadcast on their level! Organized-all of your information is stored and accessible in one place. Connected-to students, to parents, to the school community.

3. Wikis enhance the class for students Cooperative Learning: students work as groups to discuss, collaborate, create and share their work. When the group succeeds, the individuals succeed. Organization: students have access to directions and clear instructions for assignments, projects, class rules, and resources. All learning styles: using different mediums in your wiki will reach all types of learners and extend the classroom beyond the school day and classroom walls. Community Building: having a shared space that houses student’s work and classroom information builds a community of learners who learn to trust and respect each other.

5. Get organized: have all your content, forms, documents, web links in one place. Great for you, great for your students.

6. Give feedback: report back to students on work that they’ve done and incorporate your ideas and concerns collaboratively on classroom pages.

8. I know teachers are busy. I know you have more than your fair share on your plate. But I also know how easy it is to create and use a wiki and how beneficial it will be to your classroom and your students. Creating your wiki can be as simple as filling in your personal classroom information, such as assignments, links, syllabus, and discussion topics, into a template I’ve created for you:

9. An Example Template

10. Or you can jump right in when you feel comfortable with the platform and personalize it even further with additional resources for your classroom:

11. A Completed Teacher Wiki

12. The future of technology in the classroom is here! The wiki is a perfect place to begin the journey to meet our students and bring them the 21st Century Skills they need to achieve and succeed in the classroom and beyond.

13. Please go HERE to see the example of the PBWiki Template Please go HERE to see a PBWiki that is ready to use in the classroom this fall!

14. For more ideas on how to use wikis in the classroom, go to THIS SITE