MODULE 10

Wikis can be used in the classroom to promote and encourage higher order thinking. They allow users such as a Luddite like me who can only be described as technologically challenged

MODULE 10
Originally uploaded by luddite2008

to create Wikis, edit them, add photos, videos etc. The pedagogy supporting this Web 2.0 tool includes promoting team work, creating a resource that allows differentiated learning experiences, and it has joint owndership between the teacher and students. Because students are doing some of the editing, hopefully we are encouraging literacy skills and moving students from the simple act of copying and pasting.

The Wetpaint site offers many ideas on how to create and develop a Wiki - I will be spending a few more hours exploring these possibilities.

I am in the process of developing a Wiki to help my Year 12 Legal Studies revise for the HSC. Click on the link and email me if you want to join this private site. My idea is to involve all students by allocating tasks and then encouraging collaboration. By the end of the time, I hope the students have collaboratively created model answers to all the sections of the exam.

Hopefully this will encourage higher order thinking on Bloom's digital taxonomy map. Many of the iLE@RN skills are also addressed-communication and collaboration, questioning and reflection.

Another practical consideration is that students can access the Wiki as a homework activity - getting around the problems of internet speed that are plaguing our schools at the moment.

This course has opened a range of new possibilities for the Luddite - I will be revisiting them frequently in an effort to enrich the learning experiences of our students while exploring Web 2.0. Such exploration involves risk taking and moving beyond our comfort zones and admitting that as teachers we are becoming facilitators and partners in the learning experience.