Wikis

As I reviewed Wiki Walk Through, I learned that a wiki is a website that allows anyone to participate by altering information found on the website without special tools. In order to participate in a wiki, you just need a computer and internet connection. Wikis are always under revision due to the public continuously contributing new information to them. Because of this, wikis have no specific authors, rather they have editors.

Below are three ways in which wikis can be used effectively in an elementary classroom.

1. Wikis can be used as an annotated virtual library. 
2. Wikis can be used for taking a virtual tour of their elementary school.
3. Wikis can be used for sharing family traditions with the students of your classroom.

Annotated Virtual Library 

Literacy is arguably the most important component of an elementary classroom. Because of the high importance, the idea of using a wiki to have a virtual library I think would really benefit my students. I have learned that independent reading is critical at a young age. With a virtual library wiki, it would allow students to post commentary and recommendations for books that they have independently read over the course of the year. I like this idea because it promotes literacy and technology, so it would be a great way in which my students encourage each other in their independent reading. 

Virtual Tour of the Elementary School

I think creating a wiki for a virtual tour of your elementary school would be a great use because it exposes your students to the diversity of the different grades within the school. It gives students a chance to share something about their class or their grade, and they have the opportunity to read what other students do within their classrooms or grades. An example of this would be a classroom sharing a fun activity they participated in, or a field trip they got to go on. This would be a great way to make the elementary school feel more like a community. 

Family Traditions

It is very important for your students to learn about their classmates and the home that they each come from. However, many times it is difficult to share about their families in the midst of the school day. A wiki that shows different family traditions would be a great way in which the students could learn about their classmates and the different cultures of the classroom while utilizing technology. An example of this would be asking them to share how they celebrate their birthday or a holiday. In sharing this, you can reflect on the diversity within the classroom, and they will be learning about other cultures as well. I think it is important to make children familiar with other cultures outside of their own at an early age.