Wiki+Presentation

>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Conclusion - Lisa >>
 * **Current Situation**: The existing Owlwarts library web page:
 * Requires web page publishing software (FrontPage) and ftp upload to update a page.
 * Can only be updated by a single administrator, the librarian, from a computer with the necessary software.
 * Takes considerable time to update.
 * Does not facilitate collaboration among teaching and library staff.
 * **Solution:** A wiki
 * What is a wiki? A website that:
 * Can be easily edited through a web browser using simple browsing and word processing skills.
 * Allows multiple people to share and update content creating a collaborative work space.
 * How does a wiki benefit teachers?
 * Enables quick updates to the web site by the librarian and teachers from any web browser on any computer.
 * Enables teachers to update content relevant to their students' needs.
 * Facilitates collaboration between teachers and the librarian. For example, they can collaboratively develop student pathfinders.
 * Enables teachers to easily share content with other teachers.
 * Encourages greater use of technology by teachers in an easy to use and supportive environment.
 * How does a wiki benefit students?
 * Enables quick updates to the web site by either the librarian or teachers assuring the most relevant information and resources are available when needed.
 * Establishes a standardized format for conducting research which will encourage proficiency.
 * Enables collaboration between teacher and librarian to develop lessons and pathfinders that support student achievement and align to the California Content Standards and National Educational Technology Standards.
 * Lays the groundwork for future student participation and content creation on the wiki.
 * ** Demonstrate: **
 * Home - Carla
 * Student Page - Carla
 * Teacher Page -Susan
 * Tech Tools - Susan
 * Pathfinders - Michelle
 * California Indians - Michelle
 * **Challenges:**
 * Teacher training: Teachers must be introduced to the wiki and provided with ongoing training that addresses specific interests and needs that arise.
 * Funding: Funds must be available to support training development and delivery, as well as collaboration time.
 * Culture of Collaboration: School must recognize the value of collaboration, information sharing, and technology.
 * Administrative Support: Administrative support is needed to secure adequate funding, provide training opportunities, and to foster a collaborative community.
 * **Solutions:**
 * Teacher Training:
 * Training topics should be planned to support progressive teacher use of the wiki.
 * Preliminary topics should include basic use of the wiki and model of best practices to demonstrate how the wiki can support the curriculum and student achievement.
 * Additional training should provide refreshers, demonstrate more advanced wiki uses, continue to highlight best practices, and provide training in related technologies that encourage greater use of the wiki and relevant technology tools.
 * Funding:
 * Wikis are free!
 * The librarian already maintains the website. This effort will be shifted to wiki maintenance.
 * after an initial development period, there will likely be a cost savings due to the amount of time it takes to develop a wiki versus the existing site.
 * High quality training and follow up sessions will maximize the value the school community gets out of the wiki. The more you know, the more we can do.
 * Culture of Collaboration:
 * Initial development and use of the wiki to occur between the librarian and a small team of teachers. This team will share in the promotion of the wiki and its benefits to teachers and students.
 * The wiki will begin with simple goals: collaborative pathfinders and information sharing. Wiki use will grow as teachers become comfortable with the wiki and grasp the potential. Training will start with the basics, model best practices, and will include a strong promotion of one-on-one teacher and librarian collaboration so assistance is provided.
 * Administrative Support: Administrative support is critical to the wiki's success.
 * Early and ongoing communication between the librarian and administrators should take place to keep administration informed of the wiki's development, use, and effectiveness.
 * The Librarian will coordinate training sessions with administrators. Administrators should be invited to trainings and encouraged to contribute ideas as to the wiki's development.
 * Administrative support will also be encouraged through participation on the Library's Advisory Committee and through the Librarian's End of the Year and annual Board of Education reports.