WIKI-mania

So you probably know about wikis by now. They're becoming ever-popular, especially with the emergence of Wikipedia. In fact, when I was in India lecturing on the changing of education and technology trends, the topic of wikis came up, and many of them have even used wikis. Although, there's always a handful of gasps when I explain to them that anyone can get on Wikipedia and make changes, add information...even junior-highers with a sense of humor. But I will say, that I use Wikipedia daily to find out little tidbits, or to get background information on something. Latest Wikipedia searches: quipu, Lost (2004 TV Show), origin of cricket, history of the audience wave. You can't find that kind of stuff in a regular encyclopedia.
Anyways, all that to say, I found a cool educational application for the use of wikis. As the technology goes, a wiki is a website that allows anyone viewing the site to make changes and add information. Basic features of wikis also allow you to look back at previous versions of the website to see what it looked like before (or to revert back to an old version of the website if something got accidentally or intentionally deleted). It also has a place for discussions and for people to leave comments or suggestions for the website.
A common use by teachers is to allow students to work in groups to produce a website or collaborate on information. For example, if you are researching the ancient Inca civilization, one student could go on the wiki and post some information on their use of quipu as a memory-device. Then another could get on later and make spelling corrections, and add information about their developments in art and gold crafting. Then another student in the group could get on later and post pictures.
After a couple of these activities with my students, I figured out a cool way to use it with our yearbook staff. We had a problem with losing copy or interview quotes that staff members were working on. OR someone would conduct an interview, and then be sick for a couple of days, and we couldn't work on their yearbook spread without their notes. So, we started our own wiki. I adjusted the preferences so that only approved people on the yearbook staff could view the site, and then created wiki pages for each of the sections of the yearbook. When someone wrote an article on the basketball team, they posted it on the wikipage. Then myself, or the copy editor could get on and make corrections, suggestions, etc. Then the basketball photographer could get on and read the copy to see who they needed to photograph, or to find out who to interview or NOT to interview to get more quotes. It was pretty great because we could work on it remotely, and simultaneously.
If you've got any other applications for wikis, I'd love to hear them!

Dedications...

We got our yearbook this last week! What a huge sigh and stress off now that it's out. But the big story for me in the whole ordeal was that my yearbook staff completely went behind my back to change some of the pages. They are celebrating their trickery in the above photo as we get our first glimpse of all their hard work (which was fabulous, I might add... the first all-color book in the history of the school... they were quite proud). Those conniving conspirators went behind my back, and re-submitted some pages without my approval. Let me explain: the opening page of the yearbook has traditionally been a place where the yearbook staff dedicates the book to an inspiring individual that embodies what the book is all about. We had all of these discussions and debates regarding the issue, and finally came to a consensus. Then they went behind my back, and when our publisher presented us with the first book, I found out that they had dedicated the book to me!!! They were too sweet. Raegan did such a great job with the page, that I thought I would include the copy:
Even though he has only been here but a few short years, Mr. Krake has made a lasting impression in so many areas. From freshman History to Senior English, even to crazy, overworked yearbook advisor, Mr. Krake covers all the bases of literature and fine arts.
When you think of Mr. Krake, no student hesitates in thinking of his unique teaching methods and true use of everthing the Smart Board has to offer. Whether it be detailed PowerPoint presentations to teach on the Byzantine Empire or reenacting Macbeth with a life-like fire on the overhead, creative teaching defines Mr. Krake.
For those on yearbook staff, Mr. Krake is so much more than a teacher. His dedication to the staff and desire to see the book come to fruition was evidenced by the late nights he spent working with the staff on deadlines.
But even more than that, Mr. Krake is a personable kid of guy. Always up on the latest music, fashion or even the students' lives, Mr. Krake is a friend to his students and just a fun guy to be around in general.
For all your hard work and dedication and for being a teacher that goes the extra mile, we proudly dedicate this book to Mr. Krake.

How sweet is that!?! I will miss them much.