Thing #14 Wikis

I think that starting a Wiki with the 6th grade core team might be a productive way for us teachers to share our materials, lessons, and links. Right now we send emails with attachments or pass around hard copies to each other at planning meetings. Wouldn't it be great to know that the resources were all in one place AND that we could make adjustments and additions to the work to make it better in a cumulative effort? We might save a lot of time and produce some dynamite materials.

I would also like to try wikis with my kids this year. Barbara had success with scientist projects this year and I like the idea that they can work on the wikis both at home and in school. Another point to consider is that our pedagogy will be changing a lot this year with the addition of COWs in our classrooms; I want to have continuous use of the computers within a workshop atmosphere. Wikis seem like a first step since not all students have access to a computer at the same time and will have to be working collaboratively. We could also use them for our current events each week and post multiple articles, perspectives and responses. And of course for writing-opportunities are numerous. THis may be an easy first step for our team to consider as we implement technology and the new social network learning into our curriculums.