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:
- 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
- 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
- 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