Wikis in the Classroom

Wikis, a web-based document that can be quickly and easily edited, viewed, and shared by many people, are useful to both students and educators. I first used wikis as a format for student products. In one example, a small group of students worked independently to contribute to a group project. Each student was able to make contributions and corrections to the final product.

On My Way to Carolina
In this project, students imagined the trials and tribulations faced by early immigrants to our state. Along the way students answered the following questions for the fictional character they created: Where did the early settlers of our state come from? What compelled them to make such a treacherous journey? What hardships did they face? What did they find when they arrived? Through the use of historical fiction, students create stories for these intrepid emigrants who were the first immigrants to the new world called Carolina.

Through research, students gathered the sufficient background knowledge they needed to create the pages that make up this wiki. In addition, students selected images, practiced literacy skills, incorporated technology, demonstrated critical thinking, and worked cooperatively to solve problems.