Marc's+Podcast

This podcast discusses everything there is to know about a Wiki and its benefit to education. A description of its benefits and setbacks to teachers, students and parents are all included. Below are links to two exception examples of wikis used for education. A transcript of the podcast is also provided. media type="file" key="Podcast_Wiki_MM.mp3" width="240" height="20"

Mr. Sheehy's English Class Wiki Branford High School English Wiki

As times change, and technologies advance, it has become increasingly important for teachers to implement new and innovative ideas into the classroom. In doing so, we have changed the way we think about the role that the online experience plays in educating students in our fast-paced society. Web 2.0 technologies, and more specifically WIkis are among the fastest growing educational tools, and this podcast will address everything an aspiring teacher needs to know about wikis and how to incorporate this useful tool into the classroom. Getting its name from the Hawaiian word for “quick”, a wiki is essentially a website that can be viewed and modified as needed by anybody with access to it. A teacher who uses a wiki to supplement their class will be able to use it to post notes and lectures online, as well as post videos and important links to other websites, and even homework, quizzes and exams. A wiki is an excellent tool for students because of the fact that not all students learn at the same pace. When using a wiki, the student can hear or read over a lecture, do his or her school work, and take quizzes and exams at his or her own pace within the comfort of the home. Because of how easy it is to view, modify, and create new information on a wiki, it is an environment that promotes collaboration between not only students and teachers, but with parents as well. Teachers can use wikis to bounce ideas off of one another with regards to curriculum. Students participating in group projects can easily share and put together their ideas in an organized manner, and parents have access to what their children are doing in school, and get a first-hand look at the progress they are making. However, The thing that makes wikis such a great tool is also its greatest setback. Unfortunately, because anybody can change the information on the wiki, the information may not always be 100% accurate, or a critical piece of information may get deleted, either by accident or otherwise. Now, close your eyes and imagine that you are an English teacher. Your job is do to whatever you can to make sure your students have a firm grasp on the English language and how to use it. Reading, writing, spelling and grammar are areas in school that give students a lot of trouble that may not be able to be solved in within just a class period. As an English teacher, you could use your wiki to post grammar help activities, writing workshops, and even audio files to supplement books and other required readings. The only downside would be if two or more students attempt editing a specific page at the same time. Because wikis only allow one modifier at a time on a single page, it’s possible that somebody’s work will be lost. The links I have provided are excellent examples of wikis as a supplement to the subject of English. The first is Mr. Sheehy’s English Class wiki. On the homepage of this wiki, are links to help students including “American authors”, “guides to writing”, and “student presentations”. These are just a few of many. There are also subcategories for each one of his classes. English 9, 10, and 11 all have their own separate website with information exclusive to that class, including a class calendar complete with important dates like when papers are due and exam dates. The second example is Branford High School’s English wiki. This wiki includes vocabulary activities for its students. There is a student presentation page with works that the students themselves have done, as well as a section of past student work. Current students who view the previous work have an idea of the expected standards, as well as having a way of gaining inspiration of their own. These are just two examples of the countless number of wikis that are being used in an educational setting, and that number will only grow with time. With the information provided in this podcast, hopefully the idea and benefits of including wikis in the classroom are much clearer and have inspired you to use this great Web 2.0 tool for yourself and your students. It can only help your cause. Thank you for listening.
 * Transcript:**