A wiki can be a great tool for one or more classes to collaborate and create a magazine-like publication of their learning experiences. Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis provide an excellent model for implementing wikis in a classroom and sharing the experience across the world. As I consider using wikis, I wonder about how to approach students concerning policies without creating barriers to open communication. I notice both the flatclassroomproject and the horizon project have a code of ethics.
I believe the guidelines in the flatclassroomproject serve their community well in several ways. First, the title is code of ethics rather than rules and consequences. The expectation is mutual respect. Students are advised that this is a school project and the individual school rules apply. Next, students are told that this is a global project. Each student is encouraged toward excellence with the reminder that their work represents their school and their country. I think they have every reason to be very proud of their accomplishments. Also, there is an open door policy to contact your teacher with any questions or concerns. Finally, the teachers explain to the students that the site is monitored and add quickly that they know their students will exceed their expectations. I believe it is a good idea to remind students working on a wiki that many people they never would have anticipated are reading their work, now and in the future.
1 comments:
The code of ethics works well to remind the students that this is a collaborative project and how to function within it. The rules and consequences are handled through the Acceptable Use Policy that they had already signed.
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