5-D-1 Wikis in Your Classroom

Oct 20 2007

5-D-1 Wikis in Your Classroom

Published by Mrs. S. at 8:26 am under Uncategorized

The development of a wiki this week was an eye-opener. I learned quickly that it is great to have a partner who knows a lot more than I do about navigating through new tools! It drove home the power of cooperative learning and the richness of collaboration in the classroom and in the workplace. My partner’s dedication also pushed me to learn more and to do my part so that I didn’t let her down–another asset of the wiki for those who are trying to learn.

My husband, watching my struggles, commented that I was learning the best way by doing it myself, having no one to ask. I realize that the opposite is true of learning this way. Instead of learning by myself, I had an entire network to rely on for assistance; I just had to ask. Students using wikis in my classroom will have the same opportunity to connect with many others, and they will have the ability to communicate questions and ideas instead of relying only upon themselves.

One additional thing that happened this week was my allowing my students to use Wikipedia as a resource in their research. I taught them what I had learned about the reliability of Wikipedia and I reminded them that one source is never sufficient, but that Wikipedia is apparently much more reliable than I thought.

3 responses so far

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3 Responses to “5-D-1 Wikis in Your Classroom”

# patriciajon 20 Oct 2007 at 8:37 am

Thank you for your encouraging words. You are a great partner and I appreciate your ability to express your enthusiasm and your great depth of thought! Thank you Deb.
# Lee Anneon 22 Oct 2007 at 9:34 am

Deb, I’m glad you were able to find value in working, a.k.a. LEARNING, in this sort of environment. Yes, we know we learn better if we have to solve the problem ourselves. However, you still had your network, and what a network that is! Isn’t it nice to know there are people to ask and people to encourage.

I think one of the qualities I like most about online/collaborative enviroments is the cooperative not competative nature of them. I see that as a safer enviornment for learning.

Thanks!
Lee Anne
# Debon 22 Oct 2007 at 9:53 am

Thanks Lee Anne. I could not agree more. Having a network that extends beyond one’s immediate geographic circle of support is wonderful. It’s mind boggling to realize the scope of opportunities to learn about so many things. It is also amazing to have actually “talked” via his blog with George Siemens who we have read so much about. How often does that happen in your education? Deb