JM2

=Using Wikis to Improve //Deep// Reading Skills= by Jonathan LeMaster

//Abstract//
This online collaborative learning environment is designed to help students analyze an author's argument. Students are asked to identify authors' claims, evidence, and overall viewpoint. The goal of this project is to get students more comfortable with analyzing academic texts. The three primary resources are Wikispaces.com, academic texts, and the members of class.

//Learners & Context//
The learners who are currently engaged in this project are sophomore high school students. This project, however, is appropriate for grades 8-12. Designed to address state standards, this project also addresses the concerns colleges and universities have expressed about the preparedness of post-high school students. The major complaint that high school graduate students are not competent in reading and writing has also been voiced by the business communities.

//Learning Goals//
Students will be able to experience and appreciate an online learning environment, and they will have an opportunity to learn how to work as a team to complete a project. In addition, this project will open students' eyes to the complexities of academic texts. To be a proficient reader of academic texts is a process, so this isolated experience must evolve into multiple experiences where students regularly engage in challenging texts.

//Required Resources//
The primary resource required for this project is a computer. Since this is an online activity, students need access to computers. It is also advised that the teacher select the articles the students will analyze for the Wiki. This will ensure that the articles are rich with content and purpose. Because Wikispaces is free, students will not be charged a membership fee.

//Tools and Models//
This project requires one tool: Wikispaces. Designed like a online collaborative writing environment, the students add to each others work as they grow to understand the texts they have been assigned to read.

//Process//

 * 1) Select texts that are grade level appropriate and that pertain to the theme or topic of the unit. (Select 6 to 8 articles)
 * 2) Create a Wikispace complete with navigation, assignments, tools, and tasks.
 * 3) Form pairs (The teacher might want to group students based on ability) and assign an article to each pair.
 * 4) Create a rotation schedule for students to sign-on and edit the Wikispace, limiting the amount of publishing interference.
 * 5) Give students time in class to read the articles and discuss them.
 * 6) Periodically, provide students with mini-tutorials that focus on editing and adding to wikipages.
 * 7) Monitor the Wiki to ensure collaboration is happening and to ensure students are honoring the "Wiki Integrity Pledge" or WIP.

//Rationale//
This project is powerful because it allows students to experiment with challenging material in a non-threatening way. Students can use their knowledge to complete any section of the project they feel most comfortable completing. For those sections that are more difficult, they have an opportunity to see how their teammates will approach the material. In addition, ecollaboration allows students to interact with students who are in other classes. As educators, we rarely (maybe never) have an opportunity to get students in one class communicating with students in another. All the while, students are teaching each other how to read academic texts, ultimately improving their literacy skills.

//Evaluation//
By the end of the project, students must present a Wikipage that is replete with all the required information as called out on the students' assignment page. It is the responsibility of the entire team to construct a page that addresses all of the project requirements.

//Reflection//
Since I was able to design, develop, and implement an ecollaboration project (powered by Wikispaces) in less than one week, I have to say that not only is this an amazingly easy strategy to get students interacting with each other on an academic level, it is a terrific way to motivate students to engage in challenging material.