Eight+Ways+to+Use+School+Wikis

=**__Eight Ways to Use School Wikis__**=

By Kathy Keough

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As educators we can understand how to use Wikis in the classroom. Most can agree that we are always searching for ways to keep our students interested and engaged in their own learning. Bringing a Wiki into the classroom may be one way to accomplish this. Wikis give the students the opportunity to collaborate in class projects, organize subject material, or being a study buddy. According to TechLearning it is also, "a great tool to help a school enrich instruction". It also provides an "unlimited storage for digital materials including video, screencasts, presentations, pdfs, etc". As an educator you can provide the material students are expected to use on the Wiki, when student safety is a concern.

How much thought has gone into how teachers, administrators, parents, aides, etc. can use Wikis to their advantage ? I have thought about it which prompted my research on this topic. Think of all the paper, binders, folders, and space we can save if we just used a Wiki to:
 * Post staff announcements
 * Post meeting information
 * Keep all class/teacher schedules in one place
 * Bus/Bell schedules
 * Coordinate meetings
 * Collaborate on meetings, material, curriculum
 * Hand-Outs (no more pile to throw away at the end of the year or lost notes)
 * Team sharing and collaboration
 * Enhance Professional Development

The list can be a long one. It makes sense to post everything staff will or may need in one convenient location. Endless possibilities! I also thought it would be a great way for teachers and substitutes to communicate. Teachers can have a separate wiki to post lessons, forms, class routines, etc. It sure sounds good and seems like a time saver on paper or on this wiki!

As far as keeping the parents informed, Wikis can be used to: Again, the possibilities are many! (Many of these ideas originated at TechLearning.com for a more complete list with examples or explanations please visit their website)
 * Post school policies and procedures
 * AUP/Fair Use Policy
 * Principal Notes
 * Vision Statement
 * Educational Resources
 * Standardized Testing Information
 * Individual Classroom Information/Homework/Teacher Contact
 * Common Core Standards/State Standards

The site below has a wonderful video tutorial that helps creating your wiki easy and enjoyable. Wiki Walk- through []

Strategies for Using Wiki in the classroom can be accessed by visiting []