Thing 9: Wiki, Wiki...Aloha!

I am quite familiar with the wiki collaboration tool. I belong to a few through the KISD (Literacy Coaches Network...) and even created one for Professional Development at my own school.

I first heard about a wiki during a presentation done by Will Richardson at one of our district professional development several years ago. I thought then, it was such a great tool to use for a presentation. Not only was the speech supported visually, the audience had a link to keep going back to for conversation., I thought I would post the link here in case anyone wanted to check it out:

http://willrichardson.wikispaces.com/

I love the interactive feel to this wiki. Not only was it a powerful presentation, but I can refer to it even now.

My own wiki that I created for pd at our school was interesting too...after thinking about the wiki I first mentioned, I think I need to make the wiki more interactive. It started out strong, but I have to say it fizzled a bit. At times, staff members would try to pick up conversations and get a little activity, but then it would fade again.

I also had a few teachers use the wiki to get some frustrations out about issues in our district. Unfortunately, it seemed like more of a rant to me and some of the people that were just getting used to the idea were turned off by that. A few teachers told me they were uncomfortable to get back on after that...which was too bad!

I think with anything new (and I learned this over and over last year) it just takes time to get comfortable with change.

As for my teaching life, I would love to explore this tool in the classroom. For the past few years, I have been very interested in getting conversations going about quality literature...using literature circles, reading workshop, etc. I am thinking this would be a great venue for the older kids to keep the conversations going outside the classroom and possibly with other schools!! I'm excited to wrap my brain around this...so I am adding it to my list of things to explore next year. Another adventure to have!!!