Dana+Symons

Wiki in the Classroom Project Who: My ELL students and myself, perhaps other teachers in Dayton Thematic area or methodology My final project is somewhat unclear at this point.I know what I want to do, but I am not sure that our technology department will be willing to support me with this design. In the end, I would like to have a forum for additional editing time with my students. I hope to create a wiki that I will use with my students. In thinking about this, I feel that I will need to create some clear guidelines for the students of my expectations for respectful language and content. I teach 6-12 grade ELL students. They are wonderful students, but need daily reminders about what topics and language is appropriate for school. Purpose: Within the wiki, I would like to set up pages where the students can post questions about homework, due dates or to run an idea by peers before turning it in. The wiki would be an area where students could support each other academically. This is something that is lacking at this time. I am also considering another requirement for my students use of the wiki. Due to my students being second language learners, they have greater need for editing their writing than some other students. What we do not have is a forum for achieving this step. They either need to bring a hard copy with them to class or a flashdrive. Our technology department frowns on the flashdrive idea. I would prefer that they not print out every rough draft, due the amount of paper. Our computers do not all support the latest version of Word, therefore I am unable to edit their work within their file. Media: We will be using either wiki or our own shared drive. The benefit to using wiki will be that students will have access of campus, as well as on campus. Course Objectives: I obviously need to devote more time to this goal, especially since it has taken me so long to actually get my wiki up and running. I had thought I was connected until I realized that my name was not highlighted nor could I access my own page. Drat! My students use technology and electronic networks all of the time. However, there are few discussions about the implications of using these sites. Since the beginning of this school year, we have had several online issues that have dealt with integrity. I view it like students without supervision at recess. I believe students need models and guidelines for online behavior.
 * Investigate the technological tools that enable the networked world.
 * Describe and analyze the cultural and spiritual implications of electronic networks.
 * Describe and apply approaches to living with integrity in the networked world.