Reflection

​ A wiki space is a valuable resource for a classroom teacher. It is a hands-on tool that can actively engage students in learning. Meskill and Mossop (2000) have reported evidence of increased motivation and excitement for learning as a result of technology use (as cited in Cummins, Brown, and Sayers, 2007, p. 104). I often find that when I incorporate opportunities for collaboration, use of manipulatives, and student choice in my classroom that my students are more interested in learning. I believe that a wiki space can provide all of the previously mentioned opportunities for my class and more. When we first started investigating wikis, I found myself being skeptical if it would in fact be applicable in an elementary classroom. However, after browsing through [|Teachers First: Wiki Walk-Through] I was able to find many interesting ways to use a wiki in my third grade classroom. One idea that I was very enthusiastic about was incorporating a wiki in my literacy instruction through vocabulary activities. Often I have my students write vocabulary sentences and illustrate them. I would like to have my students create sentences and post them on our class wiki space. Students can also interact with each other by creating stories using vocabulary words while adding and editing each other's posts. I also believe that a wiki can be a good tool of communication with parents. One page I have creating provides links to fun math sites for extra practice. Students can use these sites at both home and school. I am very excited to launch my wiki in my classroom and learn to use new technological tools to benefit my students.