Patrick Ledsma and Lara Long
Referred to Marzano’s book on building background knowledge to increase student achievement.
Lots of experience working with sped students.
How convince other people that a new technology that will improve teaching and learning?
* Research based
* Promotes student achievement
Remember focus is on standardized test results. SPED students can make the difference in school classification. Need to justify. Needs to be accessible for all teachers and students. Appropriate for diverse learners.
Background knowledge and vocabulary are often lacking in SPED students. There is a vocabulary gap that often starts as early as 24 months. We know direct vocabulary instruction works–especially if linked to content. Best instruction is not just definitions but includes nonlinguistic and linguistic ways. Multiple exposures helps too. Discussion on the terms also helps.
Wikis: The Sell
Addresses background knowledge, vocabulary needs, could include entire school. Not just for the few students, but for everyone.
Wikis up the ante for students because other students (or people) can see.
Every lesson/subject has vocabulary. Suits wiki. Can’t be lost by students. Vocabulary words are often indicated in standards.
Talked about Frayer Model for non-SPED students.
Tough decisions:
* Do you have students pre-write or edit within wiki?
* If pre-write: more polished, can use assistive technology, more emphasis on editing process; however seems very traditional, may be a barrier for some students
* If edit within: students have immediate access to technology and see immediate results
* Often end up using a hybrid approach with multiple applications open while creating a wiki
Lay ground rules first. Add comments to moderate discussion or clarify points. Don’t be afraid to intervene. What about IM-speak?
Maybe need to think more about copyright and what students can and can’t (or shouldn’t) use.
Another way to sell is by using Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Advanced students could create wikis for other classes in school.
Wikis are active learning, collaboration, represents collective knowledge, accessible all the time.
Kids think it’s like MySpace. Like collaboration and publication that others can see.
Wikis can complement standard classroom activities.
Advice/Strategy for implementation:
* Think about objectives and what want to do
* Structure the activity (plan ahead)
* Compare to word walls
This session seems limited to wikis for vocabulary rather than other applications in the classroom.
Accomodations may be needed for some students like physical disability, autism, learning, etc. Students may not be able to handwrite well but need to get access to a computer (like head mouse, onscreen keyboard, enlarged fonts, word prediction, switch). May also need instructional accommodations like very structured directions, differentiated instruction and resources, range of accommodations and modifications.
Benefits: natural method of independent writing, more engagement in writing process, independent work, exchange between students/teacher.
