Wikispaces

Wikispaces is a Web 2.0 tool that educators can utilize to set-up a safe environment to facilitate student communication and collaboration. Public wikis allow large communities to communicate, while private wikis limit the community to invited-only individuals. As the manager of your wikispace, you set-up the pages, edit pages, and manage the space. I created a Flat Stanley wikispace for 2nd grade students to communicate with students from other districts and/or states about their Flat Stanley's adventures (adapted from the Flat Stanley project). The pages include photographs of the students with Flat Stanley on the playground and in the classroom, video of Flat Stanley's road trip to Ohio, and discussion posts about their school environment and community between students. I monitor the site and students' discussions, editing or deleting any inappropriate content. Wikispaces are an easy way for students to participate in a wider community. http://www.wikispaces.com/