Technology and the New Student: Teaching

the “Connected” Generation Through Classroom Wikis

Jomi ClawsonEdu 306

Teaching Reading to AdolescentsBarbara Loebach

Focus Statement

In this study, there will be discussion on (a) where technology is heading in the classroom and (b) how this progression can be embraced in High School classrooms, specifically through the application of wiki pages.

‘The Isle is Full of Noises:’ Using Wiki Software to Establish a Discourse Community in a Shakespeare

ClassroomWritten by Robin Farabaugh

Published in Language Awareness, 2007

• Wiki technology offers a minimally structured framework in which students can shape their knowledge

• Students create their own body of knowledge rather than just receiving from teacher

• Group understanding often serves as a foundations for individual thought

‘The Isle is Full of Noises:’ (Cont.)

• Writing [is] a way of creating connections and thus meaning.

• Wiki use [establishes] a central place in the class for process writing. It calls attention to the importance of foregrounding the generative aspects of writing, demonstrates the value of [scaffolding], and suggests that group understanding often serves as a foundation for individual thought.

Research Questions

• Are wikis effective tools in continuing the application of literary skills for HS seniors?

• Will using technology encourage more student participation and involvement in the classroom by giving the student an outlet for discussion outside of the class?

Environment

• Location: East Clinton High School• Class: Seniors, Advanced English • 16 Students: 6 Male, 10 Female– No exceptionalities

• 2009-2010 Report Card for Juniors on OGT (Seniors in 2010-2011) – Reading: Above state average– Writing: Below state average (was above 2008-09

Data Gathering Procedures

• Pre-Survey on how computer availability and use

• Responses on the wiki• Post-Survey on what the class thought of

using the wiki

Results1. How interesting did you find the wiki content?

2. Do you think it was relevant to class topics?

3. Has it aided in your comprehension of the novel 1984?

4. Do you think you will use one of these resources for your essay?

5. Did the articles posted help give you ideas on the sort of outside information you could use for your essay?

6. How advantageous was it to see your fellow classmates’ responses?

Conclusions• Success of 1 = Success of Study• Better results in study (done at the university level) than mine (HS level)

Recommendations1) Don’t assume students will get online

outside of class time2) PROVIDE CLASS TIME FOR WIKI3) Give wikis a try!

References• Banister, S., Miller, M., & Herman, T. (2010). Integrating the iPod

touch in K-12 education: Visions and vices [Electronic version]. Computers in the Schools, 27(2), 121-131.

• Farabaugh, R. (2007). 'The isle is full of noises': Using wiki software to establish a discourse community in a Shakespeare classroom [Electronic version]. Language Awareness, 16(1), 41-56.

• Ohio Department of Education. (n.d.). 2008-2009 School year. In School reports: Graduation rates "Graduation Rate (Building)" for "East Clinton High School". Retrieved April 13, 2011

• Ohio Department of Education. (n.d.). In East Clinton High School 2009-2010 school year report card. Retrieved April 8, 2011