Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: Wikis in the Classroom: Why should I? How can I?

Name: Poppy O'Guin Steele

Audience Level: Beginning

Audience: Faculty and Instructional Technology Specialists

Length:
Interactive workshop - 2 hours
I. Presentation: 50 minutes
II. Discussion: 15-20 minutes
III. Wiki construction: 50-55 minutes

Abstract:
During a recent professional development day, I sat in a table discussion and heard many instructors express concerns about the quality of student writing. So, I relayed some research I had read about some high school teachers across the country using wikis to address this concern. Most instructors responded, "What is a wiki?";

Recognizing the need for more answers, I embarked on the online odyssey. Together we will begin the adventure into the wiki world.

Description:
About a year ago I sat in a panel discussion during a professional development day and heard many instructors express concerns about the quality, quantity, or lack of student writing - in every discipline. English instructors said that students could write when they left the English classroom. Other disciplines said that information was not transferring to their classrooms. Many said that students were not applying themselves to their writing. So, I relayed some research I had read about what some high school teachers were doing across the country to address this very concern: wikis. I was met with mixed responses. Some instructors nodded knowingly. Some asked, "What is a wiki?";

As a teacher myself I can understand and appreciate the concerns of instructors. Also as a teacher, I'm thrilled with the possibilities that the new technologies offer. I do not know if blogs and wikis are the answer to all of the writing woes that instructors face, but I believe wikis to provide ONE answer that is easy to learn, easy to use, and free. The possibilities of students reaching global audiences who respond to their writing is exciting, empowering and inspiring. If high school students can become mentored by Pulitzer Prize winning journalists through these internet tools, and other high school students post writings that receive international responses, imagine what a classroom of college students could do with a wiki!

This interactive workshop will give you the confidence and skills to walk away with a wiki page of your own to test out in your own classroom.

We will discuss collaborative writing as a justification for wikis, and provide some links to active wikis in classrooms across the country.

Session Type: Interactive Workshop

Contact information/affiliation:
Poppy O'Guin Steele
Academic Support Specialist
TRIO Student Support Services
Volunteer State Community College
Chris4bama@comcast.net
(615)612-7996

Equipment: Computer lab, internet connections, projector

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