Wikispaces+(1920's+and+1930's)

Tool: Wikispaces

Lesson: Students were given a specific topic which occurred during the 1920s or 1930s. They were then asked to research it, and present it to the class in a gallery viewing format.

Length of time: The entire project took a total of 7 days. The first two days were spent in the classroom. Days 3-5 were spent in the library researching. Day 6 and 7 were also spent in the library. These last two days the students spent their time viewing one anothers projects.

Brief Description: One of the biggest challenges I face as a Library Media Specialist in 2012 is lack of time. I have found that with the increase of state requirements, teachers have less and less time to dedicate to research. With time being so precious and limited, it is essential that we plan and prepare for classes knowing that any time we use to present is time which the students could/would be using for research. It is imperative that we use this time wisely, efficiently and effectively.

In February 2010, I was invited to attend a planning meeting for a brand new project which was being developed by two members of the Social Studies Department. Mrs. Lundgard and Mr. Hopkins wanted their students to work in groups of four. They were each given a topic related to the 1920's or 1930's. They needed to write a short paper individually and prepare a presentation as a group. The presentations could be in any format they chose including PowerPoint, Prezi, Movie Maker or Video. My challenge, they only had three days in class to research and prepare their presentation. I decided that a Wiki was the best approach considering the limited amount of time the students actually had in the Media Center.

The 20sand30s Wiki contains all the information the students need to research and prepare their topic for presentation. The first page includes the assignment, due dates, and group topics. The Wiki itself includes not only links to databases and websites the students can use for research but also tutorials on the different presentation options for those who need more information. This allows for those students to continue working on their project no matter where they fall in the learning spectrum. If they do not know where to research, suggestions are given. If they do not know how to prepare their presentations, tutorials and tip sheets are provided. If they are beyond this information and want to jump right in, the Wiki allows for this as well. The students have access to the Wiki wherever they have internet access which gives the student the ability to work on the project outside of class as well. Finally, after the gallery presentation of all the projects, we chose to add a large number of the presentations directly on the Wiki so we would have examples for next year's students.

Handouts: No handouts were needed as all information was provided within the Wiki.

Standards:

CC11-12RH/SS1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.

CC11-12RH/SS7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

CC11-12RH/SS9 Integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.

2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real world situations, and further investigations.

3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess.

4.4.4 Interpret new information based on cultural and social context.

Positives: The layout of the project allowed all students to start wherever they felt the most comfortable. Having all the information included within the Wiki provided the students the opportunity to help themselves when necessary.

Negatives: There was one username and password to get into the Wiki. A small number of students forgot the username and password. If they had no one to ask they were not able to get to any of the information about the project.

Challenges with Technology: Of course, if there is a problem with the internet the wikispace would be inaccessible.