Wiki+Reflection

Content Area Wiki Reflection The Wiki concept is an amazing one because it allows its user to edit and produce documents in a collaborative manner. This web-based communication tool can be used in a variety of ways. One way that a Wiki can benefit educators through professional development opportunities as well as integrating technology into student- centered learning environments. Technology integration, Wiki’s in particular, is an opportunity for teachers to introduce the concept of discovery learning for students. Wiki’s are learning tools that can enhance classroom problem solving in the classroom setting as well as continuous learning at home to support learning at school. The use of Wikis in the classroom provides a collaborative learning environment that students participate in to learn how to handle problems in an effective, democratic manner. Students can collaboratively work on word processing assignments; create discussion forums about topics covered in class along with online research while providing resources for others students to discover. A student-centered learning scenario with the use of technology would be students collaboratively working on online research about a given topic. The teacher would give a topic, such as the American Revolution, and students would actively research information using online resources. Teachers would provide a guide or template of questions to discover and students would actively participate in this learning experience by posting newly discovered information in Wiki forum. Groups of two to three students could assist one another during the process. Of course, the Wiki template would be provided in the elementary school setting and students can add links and discussion forums to share knowledge that was learned during the discovery process about the American Revolution. My overall experience creating and using a Wiki was very challenging, but also very rewarding. I never thought I would be able to create my own webpage, add content related to the subject areas I teach, create links within the page, and allow users to edit and collaborate on my Wiki. Wow, what an amazing feeling! This Wiki experience has forced me to persevere through some of my technological shortfalls. I believe that Wiki’s can be very useful in terms of collaboration for teachers and students. It was obvious through this Wiki assignment that collaboration with my classmates was an integral part of the success of this project. As a class community, student-centered learning environment, we were able to solve problems as they arose. Without technology, this project would have been more daunting and I am not certain that I would have completed the assignment. Technology in general is an overwhelming concept for me in my personal life as well as an educator. Now, I feel that it is possible to learn about any concept, especially technology, by collaborating and working off one another’s strengths and weakness. I hope to incorporate Wiki’s into my students’ curriculum as this experience has shown to be so beneficial in the process of discovery learning.