Using Wikis

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Using Wikipedia Resources

“Using Wikipedia Resources” is an activity using a Wiki to create a “continuing story” in which your class adds one sentence each using new vocabulary words to describe how oil drilling works, as collaboration with the entire class.

Outcomes:

The learner will be able to:

  • Use a wiki to research about a topic such as oil reserves in Canada
  • Develop related vocabulary
  • Provide feedback orally
  • Find the main idea in a reading
  • Present information and ideas by writing

Preparation:

  • Review critical reading skills and how to find the main idea in a reading
    • Are the facts accurate?
    • Has the entry been referenced? Etc.
  • Introduce related vocabulary
  • Talk about how to write a memo; memo parts; how to compare and contrast
  • Discuss vocabulary related to providing feedback to others (example, “I would suggest that…”)

Delivery:

  1. Introduce the activity
    • Discuss that Wikipedia Resources is one research tool that requires critical thinking and reading
    • Choose a Wikipedia article for the class to read on oil reserves in Canada
  2. Do the activity
    • Do the activity
    • Read the wiki article and discuss reading with a partner
    • Find another wiki article to read and share with a different partner
    • Write a memo comparing the two articles and state which article is more accurate
    • Write two paragraphs
    • Include the main ideas of the articles
    • Include at least one detail that you found interesting
    • Share your writing in pairs and comment/provide feedback
    • Post on class wiki
  3. Conclude with one of these ideas
    • Research further and create a summary and post in the Wiki
    • Encourage peer editing for best writing

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) skills addressed by this activity are:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing