Using Wikis in Math Classes
An Online Technology to Support Student Learning and Understanding
Sep 8, 2008
A Wiki is an online technological tool similar to blogs. The main difference between Wikis and blogs is the ability for students to interact with information. Wikis are designed to be collaborative places for students to share and work in cooperative groups.
Wikis are more than a place for writing; they are also ideal for lessons, images, videos, and classroom notice boards. This technological tool allows teachers and students or students and students to collaborate in a dynamic process. Teachers can even collaborate with other teachers in thematic units, multiple class math projects, and research.
Students can complete projects and assignments in groups or individually. If working in groups they contribute and edit from their homes or other places they have access to their Wiki folder. Individual assignments or projects can be added to any designated Wiki folder.
Wikis are similar to blogs because of the online nature of the technology. However, blogs tend to be one way communication between the teacher and students. Wikis are as easy to use as blogs, because there is no need for special software programs, technical abilities, or HTML knowledge.
Strategies for Wikis in Math Class
Applications of Wiki use in math classrooms are only limited by the creativeness of the teacher and students to support learning. The following are a few examples:
Problem Solving – students can write about and provide images of where they applied math to solve a problem.
- Example: students describe how they used geometry to determine how two objects were parallel to each other. Their description provides a written steps and images of the objects.
Real World Math – students provide examples of how they solved everyday math problems.
- Example: students only provide a description of how they mathematical determine the speed angle of an incline necessary to jump a skateboard a specific distance. They provide written steps and include a video or images.
Problems of the Week – students work in groups to solve challenging word problems.
- Example: groups of students work together to solve difficult calculus problem. They provide the written steps and procedure used to solve the problem. Afterwards other class groups have access to all solutions for comparison of procedures.
Glossary of Mathematical Terms – students collaborate in defining math terms using images, links to detailed explanations, and online videos on Teacher Tube.
- Example: students develop an interactive glossary of geometric theorems throughout the entire school year. Students provide written theorems, along with videos and images of appropriate examples.
Collaborate with Other Schools – teachers and students can develop working relationships with other schools around the country or world to challenge each other in math problems or applications of math.
- Example: students work with students in other parts of the country or countries to provide each other with real world examples of math applications in geometry.
Visual Arts – students groups can collaborate in research to find web-based resources which describe math applications using works of art.
- Example: students upload images or animations which visually represent how artists use math.
Case Studies – students work collaboratively to provide mathematical solutions to case studies or mysteries.
- Example: the One More Minute Between Classes case study in Math Problem Solving Stories and Process Skills .
Wikis Have Controlled Access for Safety
Visit Using Wikis in Science Class for information regarding security of information and safety for students.
Students synthesize information for others to view and share, as they work collaboratively. They have ownership in their own learning, moderated by their teacher, and are presented with challenges for all student levels.
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