The document summarizes a wiki project done by 8th grade students at Westmont Junior High School. The project objectives were for students to learn how to evaluate information from research, understand a historical decade, and work collaboratively in groups. Teachers provided additional training for students on setting up accounts and using the wiki tools. The project promoted student engagement, accountability, and better collaboration between group members. It also allowed for easier grading by teachers and was more environmentally friendly than printed papers. Lessons learned included giving students more time to work and having them create a site map to aid grading.

1. Reflections on a Junior
High Wiki Project
Linda Houle, Media Center
Colleen Walsh, Language Arts
Erica Roberts, Technology
Westmont Junior High School, Westmont, Illinois

2. Agenda
Background
Additional Preparation
Rollout
Impact
Lessons Learned
Wiki Tour

3. Project Background
8th grade Language Arts
In previous years final work was displayed in
book form
Project Objectives
Learn how to evaluate and use information
found through research
Acquire a basic understanding of a single
decade’s contribution to history
Learn how to work with a group

4. NETS Standards
• Apply productivity/multimedia tools &
peripherals to support personal productivity,
group collaboration, & learning throughout
the curriculum. NETS 5
• Design, develop, publish, & present products
using technology resources that demonstrate
& communicate curriculum concepts to
audiences inside & outside the classroom.
NETS 6
• Research & evaluate the accuracy, relevance,
appropriateness, comprehensiveness, & bias of
electronic information sources concerning
real-world problems. NETS 10

5. ISBE Language Arts
Standards
• State Goal 1 - Read with understanding &
fluency.
• State Goal 3 - Write to communicate for a
variety of purposes.
• State Goal 4 - Listen & speak effectively in a
variety of situations.
• State Goal 5 - Use the language arts to
acquire, assess & communicate information.

6. Additional Preparation
Assignment packet-projected calendar
Team building activity
Two Days Added for Student Wiki Training
Group Work Time Extended
Groups needed more time to work
together

7. Rollout
Student Account Setup
Templates
Acceptable Use Policy
Schedule Computer Lab Time

8. Project Impact
Creative deliverables
Endless knowledge of html format and software
programs
Engaged and accountable students
Enjoy activities and are knowledgeable about technology
Project and requirements accessible by parents
Promoted better collaboration
Wiki history page
Messaging
Easier to grade (no papers)
Environmentally friendly

9. Lessons Learned
• Changes
• Terms-will be in list format for students to
choose from
• Giving students more time-starting a month
earlier than previous years
• Student made site map-will make grading easier
• Interdisciplinary-Social Studies & Technology

10. Wiki Tour
http://decadesproject.wikispaces.com
username: wjhsguest
password: decades

11. Questions??