Jon Orech discusses wikis and their use in education. Wikis allow for collaborative editing of web pages and are commonly used on platforms like Wikipedia. Wikis can be used for group projects to compile information. Teachers should focus on developing collaborative projects where the wiki product can be utilized, rather than just assessing work turned in. Wikis promote real-world collaboration skills and can meet state technology standards. To ensure student learning, teachers can develop acceptable use policies, have students self-assess using rubrics, monitor progress with feedback on the wiki, and use cooperative learning strategies.

1. Jon Orech Instructional Technology Coordinator Downers Grove South H.S. [email_address] Turbo-Charged Wikis

8. Samples from wikispaces What collaborative projects would benefit from a wiki? What are the practical applications?

9. Wikis in the Classroom: Theory…

10. Wikis in the Classroom: Reality…

16. Instead of… “ Wikis are really cool. How can we get kids to use them?” Think… “ We have this collaborative task; how are we going to compile all the information together? Hey, let’s use a wiki!”

18. What do teachers think? Isabelle Menke French III