CHOOSE YOUR OWN WIKI ADVENTURE
Using wikis with K-12 students
Dan McDowell West Hills High School NECC - San Diego July 6, 2006 www.ahistoryteacher.com/necc2006
WHAT IS A WIKI?
• Easily edited web site • Edited by anyone - or at least by members • Ability to trace history of edits • Part of Web 2.0 • Wikipedia
WHY USE WIKIS WITH STUDENTS?
• Let students edit pages online? • They already do it - blogs, MySpace, Livejournal, Deadjournal, etc. • It is natural to them, they are digital natives • They need to do it formally - social interactions are much different!
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WHAT THEY SAID
• Do you feel that using the Internet for this project is "natural" because of the other technologies or web sites you already use socially?
WHAT THEY SAID
• “Yes, I honestly believe that because so many of us are already on the computer a lot anyway, it helps. All I had to do is just take a break from talking to people and write up the pages and link them. I didn't have to go get my backpack or anything.”
WHAT THEY SAID
• “… this is obviously more formal than just typing up a myspace blog or something. maINly beCAUse MY TYPING DoesN"T look likE 6thiS.”
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WIKI ENGINES
Type 1: Free/Hosted Solutions • Examples: Seedwiki, Wikispaces, PBWiki, WetPaint Type 2: Self Installed • Examples: MediaWiki, TikiWiki • Need access to server, but have more control
LOGISTICS
• Open vs. closed systems • Need to regulate, keep students in check • Individual or group login • Vandalism, spam, etc. • District network policies
LOGISTICS
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WIKI EDITING 101
• A two-page job aid and 10 minutes of instruction. That’s it.
WIKI EDITING 101
• Naming convention
DESIGN PATTERNS
• Bernie Dodge, SDSU Professor • Similar to WebQuest Design Patterns • Wiki Design Patterns Matrix
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WWI BATTLES WIKI
AP WORLD HISTORY REVIEW
Micropedia Design Pattern Created list of essential review questions Assigned topics across all four classes Groups researched single question, posted response • Groups validated at least two other articles • AP World History Review Wiki Project • • • •
HOLOCAUST WIKI PROJECT
TikiWiki
MediaWiki
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HOLOCAUST WIKI PROJECT
• Essentially a WebQuest • TreeSim / Ant Farm Wiki Design Pattern • Content depth vs. standards • Sensitive topic • Skill focus => Decision Making • Complex requirements
HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
1. Develop a family from assigned region 2. Research country, stages of the Holocaust
HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
3. Create Progression of Events Chart Map of Branching Simulation
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HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
4. Write the narrative
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HOLOCAUST PROJECT PROCESS
5. Place in wiki, edit, add images
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
• 2005 - Example • 2006 - Example
THE LEARNING
• How did this project change the way you look at decisions? • “Though the decisions I am forced to face in my life are traditionally not literally life or death, it made me aware of planning for the future and making decisions that may hurt you or 'suck' right now, but will benefit you and only make you stronger in the end.”
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THE LEARNING
• How did this project change the way you look at decisions? • “It made me see that we have to explore our options thoroughly. We don't realize that we have so many different options when making a decision on something and this project being on a topic about life or death, made me realize that we need to put more thought into what we do in order to better our lives.”
THE LEARNING
• How do you think this project increased your knowledge of the Holocaust? • “I was able to realize and 'relate' to the victims more on a personal scale. we had to use real people's names, and choose real jobs and locations. it really opened my eyes to the reality of the situation, rather than just reading about it and forgetting, it will stick with me for a long time.”
REFLECTIONS
• Project Complexity / Time • Historical Accuracy • Decisions vs. Results • Using the Wiki
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PROJECT TEMPLATE
• Outlines the steps needed to create a similar project • Industrial Revolution version coming in Fall 2006! • Download the guide on the presentation page.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN WIKI ADVENTURE
Dan McDowell, West Hills High School Thank you for your time. Presentation, links, and handouts at:
www.ahistoryteacher.com/necc2006
Thanks to my students for their hard work and willingness to try new things (not that they had a choice)
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