How to use Wikis in the Classroom 

Wiki can be defined as a web-based tool on which users collaboratively add, delete, and modify content directly from the web browser. The most famous wiki is Wikipedia. Wikis are web pages that encourage students to collaborate, allowing them to create, edit, delete, and publish information.

Since Wikis are geared for curation and sharing, it's versatile enough to use for instructional design, research, and story-based learning. It was very user-friendly.  My third graders will enjoy using Wikis especially to figure out riddles! 

  As an educator, I could use Wikis for research with my students or to collaborate with my colleagues. My students can save links to content, take notes, and upload videos from YouTube or Google Drive, or use it to tell a story. A teacher could collect content from all over the web to tell a story about a current or historical event, and have students share collections with their peers and vote for their favorite resources. 

Wiki is a free program and you can also download the app on any phone/device.  A disadvantage is that it lacks two-way communication, tagging, and feedback features. Kids could stumble on or share inappropriate content. The advantage is it is easily curated and you can share media/content. A variety of layouts allows for creative displays.    Collaboration is an important part of teaching and learning and Wikis can facilitate collaboration. Wikis can be used to engage learners in learning with others and allow students to be in charge of their own learning.  

 Hi!! I am currently enrolled in the Gifted Masters Program at LSU.  I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education at Mt. Saint Mary's in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 2007.  Being a teacher is my second career.  I worked in banking prior to becoming a teacher. Being a teacher has always been my passion. I have been teaching for 14 years.  I taught in Maryland for about 7 years before moving to Louisiana, where I teach 3rd-grade Gifted and Talented students.  In my free time, I love spending time with my family, reading, and working in my garden. 
    The purpose of this blog is to keep my parents informed. Two-way communication between home and school is so important. Many parents and families enjoying using a class (or student) blog as a virtual “window into the classroom”. Through commenting, families can be a part of what is happening in the classroom and have real time access to their child’s education. I also love the way that information published on a class blog can be used as conversation starters at home.