*++Web+Sites+About+Using+Wikis+to+Teach+Mathematics


 * Two Sites About Using Wikis to Teach Mathematics **

In: //Proceedings CETL-MSOR Conference (Continuing Excellence in the Teaching & Learning of Maths, Stats & OR)//, 8-9 Sept 2008, Lancaster University, UK. @http://www.mathstore.ac.uk/index.php?pid=103


 * I found this research report interesting, because the authors (like us) are exploring uses for Wikis. The article is a frank discussion of the challenges and successes the participants and the authors encountered. I was especially interested in reading the summary of what the authors learned. Here is what they discovered;**


 * Contributing to a wiki**
 * Participants need guidance on where to post, and which types of material are appropriate.
 * They need a protocol for amending or commenting on the work of other contributors, and how to acknowledge authorship if that is considered important.
 * Participation**
 * There has to be a good reason for tutors to participate!
 * An initial face to face meeting can help to initiate the community and allows discussion of its focus and purpose.
 * The use of near-synchronous or synchronous sessions can revive interest.
 * Introducing structured tasks may encourage participation.
 * If participation is optional, then a large group is preferable, allowing for contributions by an active minority and passive access by others.
 * Membership of the wiki community should be integrated into the workload of tutors.
 * Usability**
 * The tool should alert participants to new material.
 * Use of the tool should be integrated with the use of other communication tools by the group.
 * If the tool is used in other contexts then this is likely to increase its acceptability.

Site # 2
//** Wiki Teach **// []


 * This Wiki site is designed to help teachers share lessons. I can see the value of such a site as a source for ideas, but the lessons are a bit “pot luck.” I don’t see how I could have as much confidence in these lessons as those provided at refereed sites like the Ohio Resource Center. The ORC lessons are always linked to best practices and the Ohio Mathematics Academic Content Standards. **

**As is always the case with technology, I’m sure this idea will benefit from new insight and inspiration. We are looking at Wikis now while the idea is new and fresh. Over time as our education community works with them, they will grow into more effective tools.**