HOW+TO+USE+WIKISPACES+IN+THE+CLASSROOM

//Wikis are more versatile than blogs in that users collaborate to create information. Because a Wiki allows all users to add and edit content, it is especially suited for// //collaborative writing and project-based learning. The constant feedback mechanism of a Wiki is what makes it a uniquely powerful learning tool. And because a Wiki is// //web-based, contributors do not need to be in the same geographical area, nor do they need to be working synchronously. (taken from Tech course article on Differentiating with Technology, Module 3)//

===Wikispaces is an online environment in which people can collaborate and edit content (think Wikipedia). It's a free and easy program that even younger students can be taught to use. Some ways to integrate into your teaching:===

Students could write **progressive creative stories** so that one student starts the story, another continues, and so on. Start with one story until students are comfortable with using the wiki, having taught them to log in, click on the story, click Edit, add their content, and Save. Eventually, they could begin their own stories by typing in the story's name on the Home page, clicking Link, Okay, and Save. They are then able to add the beginning to their story on their new page. See http://9yostories.wikispaces.com/ as an example of 9 year-olds writing progressive stories. Gabi and I chose to introduce the wiki by having students sign up for a night in the beginning and it's now done at home on a voluntary basis.



Students could use a wiki to put together a **news article** draft, in which each student is designated a topic, researches it, and writes a draft. Mini-drafts are then collaboratively strung together to create the class article. This idea could also be used on an individual level, in which students could organize an article, essay, etc. See http://9yonitratrip.wikispaces.com/ as an example of a class article on a field trip.