Well, I don't know if these tools are getting easier or I'm just becoming more comfortable with the program, however, I viewed sample wikis and breezed through setting one up of my own. You can check it out at http://ridgecrest5.wikispaces.com/Wiki+fun%21
Wikis have many great uses in the classroom. Besides the obvious of open discussions amongst colleagues and students, we can use it to brainstorm ideas for story maps and writing activites. The students can help one another with vocabulary activities. The possibilities are endless!
This is also a great tool to connect departmentalized teachers and students. Teachers can share ideas and view what is going on in one another's classrooms. Meanwhile, students from different homerooms, schools, cities, and countries can share information. This is very exciting!
Wikis are another instance where we must teaching editorial skills to the students. A lot of information can be substandard. They must learn to look at it with a critical eye.
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