CITUSF Wikis and Blogs Project

March 5, 2009

Karyn SchellDepartment of Modern and

Classical Languageskschell@usfca.edu

AGENDA

1. Wikis for Third and Fourth Semester

Spanish2. Ideas for Implementing Wikis3. Tips from Experts on How to

Implement Wikis4. Blogs for Third and Fourth

Semester Spanish5. Questions and Discussion6. Idea Sharing

What is a Wiki?

Definition: wikipedia.org

“Wikis in Plain English”

Wikis for Third and Fourth Semester Spanish

Weekly 2-part journal assignments

Responses to specific questions related to grammar and themes discussed in class

Description of linguistic or cultural activity related to Spanish-speaking world

Ideas for Using Wikis in FL Instruction

Janecki, 2008; Narbona, 2008

Language Courses: create and edit a composition recipe book short stories script for a TV show exam review guides

Ideas for Using Wikis in FL Instruction

Literature Courses: exam review guides summaries and reviews of stories journal entries of characters from texts collaborative novels

Content and Culture Courses: travel guides/ tourist brochures biographies of famous people summaries of current events technical or instructional manuals

Ideas for Using Wikis in FL Instruction

Miscellaneous:

data bank for instructional materials departmental collaboration (e.g., program information, by-laws, minutes from meetings) questionnaires and surveys coordination materials (e.g., syllabi, course calendars, tutoring information, etc.)

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Getting Started/What to Explain to Students: what is a wiki how it will be used collaborative and linguistic goals grading criteria split the class into groups either provide specific topics for the wikis or

let students nominate the topics techniques and strategies on how to

collaborate (including necessary target language vocabulary and constructions)

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Elements of a Good Wiki:

provide context that engages a reason for content to be written and adjust it accordingly

engage students in topics with which they can make a personal connection

provide the students with rubrics that clearly describe the expectations of the assignment

assign students to groups of 4-5 people with a wiki per group

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Elements of a good wiki…

provide clear input and due dates for each stage of the process

substitute the wiki for other comparable assignments (i.e., do not give them additional work)

provide time in class for students to meet in groups and verbally plan the upcoming stages and procedures

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Slavin's Six-Stage Model of Group Investigation (1995):

1. Identify topics and form groups: scan sources, propose topics and categorize suggestions; form heterogeneous groups

based on topic of interest; instructor facilitates organization

2. Plan the learning task: what to study; who does what; how to study; purposes and goals

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Slavin's Six-Stage Model…

3. Carry out the investigation: gather information; contribute individually; analyze data; exchange, discuss, clarify and synthesize ideas; reach conclusions

4. Prepare the group presentation: determine essential message; plan how to report; plan what to report; coordinate plans

Tips from Experts on How to Implement Wikis

Slavin's Six-Stage Model…

5. Present the group project: variety of forms; audience involvement; peer feedback

6. Evaluate achievement: high-order thinking; application of knowledge; inferences; investigation of certain aspects; how conclusions were reached

Blogs for Spanish Language Courses

Third and Fourth Semester: Weekly 2-part journal assignments

Summaries of articles students read on their own outside of class related to a specific Spanish-speaking topic or country

Description of linguistic or cultural activity related to Spanish-speaking world

Intermediate Conversation: Access to instructor’s and students’ podcasts Post information on campus and local events

Questions and Discussion

Idea Sharing