This project was designed to teach middle school kids to collaborate within small groups to create a wiki on a topic they will enjoy. Along the way students learn about Russian history and geography as well as some specifics about the Winter Olympics. Ideally, this project should be implemented a couple of months before the start of the winter Olympics, and students should have one to two hours per week to complete the assignment.
I chose Wikispaces for the product because it is 1) free for educators 2) easy to use and 3) facilitates collaboration 4) does not require a computer. Students may access and edit their wiki page on their BYOT device. However, teachers could easily substitute any presentation software to meet similar learning goals. The on-line publishing aspect of the project provides a motivational element for students.
Teachers may modify this assignment by requiring less information on student wiki pages and allowing more time for completion. Or, teachers may forgo the wiki portion of the assignment and simply require a written report.
This webquest is easily modifiable for subsequent Olympics.
I chose Wikispaces for the product because it is 1) free for educators 2) easy to use and 3) facilitates collaboration 4) does not require a computer. Students may access and edit their wiki page on their BYOT device. However, teachers could easily substitute any presentation software to meet similar learning goals. The on-line publishing aspect of the project provides a motivational element for students.
Teachers may modify this assignment by requiring less information on student wiki pages and allowing more time for completion. Or, teachers may forgo the wiki portion of the assignment and simply require a written report.
This webquest is easily modifiable for subsequent Olympics.