Wikis and RSS feed readers are collaborative web tools that can be used in the classroom. Wikis allow any user to easily edit and update web page content, empowering student collaboration. RSS feed readers provide automatic updates from subscribed websites and blogs, saving students time. These tools can be used to share class notes and projects, keep students informed of class activities, and facilitate research on any subject. Examples of free wiki and feed reader services that are appropriate for educational use are provided.

1. Collaborative Teaching: Web 2.0:Wikis and RSS Feed Readers Ashlee Bueche Kristin Mikula Sarah Needham Stephen Johnson ART 331: Technology in Art Education Visual Arts Education Eastern Michigan University

2. What is a Wiki? A Wiki is simply a website where anyone can edit anything anytime they want. The Wiki most familiar to us is Wikipedia.com. The concept behind Wikipedia is that “everyone together is smarter than anyone alone”. Wikis put the power in the hands of everyone. Anyone can be the editor of a Wiki.

3. How can Wikis benefit students? Editorial control and responsibility Exercise and hone their ability to collaborate with one another Negotiate with one another Acts as a resource, showcase, or an articulation tool

4. How does a Wiki work? Wiki pages all have the same basic features ‘EDIT’ button ‘SAVE’ button Log in to Wiki page Click EDIT Enter content Click

5. How can a Wiki be used in the classroom? Demonstration of student knowledge Keeping students up to date on classroom activities Wikis can be used for any subject or topic: Notes-from-class Artist-report History of the community/school Class Wikis created by the students How-to

6. Wiki Resources: www.wikia.com www.wikispaces.com www.pbworks.com www.wetpaint.com www.wikipedia.com www.wikijunior.com www.webnote.com Wikis in Plain English

7. What is an RSS Feed Reader? It is a quick and easy way to see the latest updates of your favorite blogs, websites, or wiki The user subscribes to whatever blog/website/wiki that is of interest to them Instant updates Saves time Familiar example of an RSS Feed Reader:

8. How to set up a Feed Reader… There are 2 simple steps for setting up a RSS Feed Reader: 1. Get an account. You can get an account from: www.google.com/reader http://www.bloglines.com 2. Set up subscriptions to your favorite blogs or news sites.

9. How Feed Readers Work

10. Using RSS Feed Readers in the Art Classroom Some classrooms have Weblogs. The Reader then allows students and teachers to keep track of updates fellow classmates have made to the website. Readers also allow students to search by topic. On Google Reader, students can search for a topic they are researching in class and get the latest article updates.

11. RSS Feed Reader Resources: www.google.com/reader www.bloglines.com RSS Feed Readers in Plain English

15. Richardson, Will. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classroom. Corwin Press, California. 2009.