In order to carry out my GAME plan, I need to search for more pertinent website possibilities to create a hot list for students who may have trouble using or understanding the texts on the web quests. I believe in the Girl Scout motto, “Be Prepared.” So it’s important for me to have some additional ideas and sites ready just in case. If a student gets “stumped” my plan is to help them through the research process, what do I know, what do I want to know, how can I find information, and what will I do with the information, before suggesting personal findings. In theory, with additional guidance, students should be able to settle on effective questions and key-words. In practice, I’ve found that Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head more often enough to always have alternatives in my back pocket.
To carry out my plan, I need to ensure that my students understand the process of reading, paraphrasing, and citing information. They need practice using word processing software. I personally need to familiarize myself with the help section offered by the wiki site I am using, I need to develop a daily routine for reviewing student posts, and I need to create a rubric for assessing the posts that students make.
I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you who have used wikispaces to make my experience as smooth and effective as possible. Advance thanks to any who offer advice.
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I just started my own Wikispace for my classroom. It is http://frauswiki.wikispaces.com and although it does not have much information on it yet, many of my kids have already visited the site. Right now I just have the schedules for each class and some helpful links, but I intend to put my Power Point notes on there and possibly worksheets eventually.
ReplyDeleteLet me know any time if you need help with the Wiki, but it is incredibly user-friendly. I decided to make a Wiki after I figured out all blogs are blocked by my school's internet filter and I am so happy that I went this route!
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteI had my students create a wiki about the European Union, but they did it on wetpaint.com. The URL is http://uvmglobalculture.wetpaint.com/. I don't know how wikispaces works, but I imagine a lot of these websites are similar. Basically, if you can handle Microsoft Word, you can handle editing a wiki. The tools and buttons are almost exactly the same, so there is familiarity there.
When you mention being prepared and creating a list for students to use as a guide, I did that myself when my groups were working on their wiki. I made a list of links that I knew were acceptable and appropriate for them to get their information, and that worked out great, it made the assignment a lot less daunting and intimidating for my students.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks Cesar and Stephanie for your encouraging words about using a wiki. My school blocks blogs so this seems a good way to go. I think it will work out fine...I just have to DO IT!
ReplyDeleteDonna