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=Question: How do you create a wiki project for students that is engaging and interesting for them, and not "just another assignment?"= Any time that students use computers, it is more motivational than any paper and pencil task. Particularly, the active participation and the collaboration factors of a Wiki are key. These kids use social networking tools all the time. Incorporating these tools into their assignments seems like the best bet to engage the students in learning tasks. Carmella Hughes

I think that this could be addressed in a number of ways. First of all the topic of the wiki would be important. As a math teacher, I think students could be interested if the wiki was used to document some form of hands-on lab or experiment. They would also find it more exciting if it was used to explore real world applications of the math we study in class. I think a key to the students finding it engaging is not to have overkill on the wikis. If every teacher in your school learned about wikis and started one with their class, it would be very redundant and the students would be bored. If, however, the wiki was new and different, it would be inherently interesting to your students. I also think upping the accountability level can help. If you inform the students that the wiki will be made available to their parents, peers, administration, the community, or whomever you decide, the students will probably want to work harder to make a good impression upon the diverse audience. -Diane I don't think every wiki needs to be an assignment with points. Open ended questions and prompts that require them to share their personal experiences would be motivating. If the purpose of the wiki were to brainstorm ideas, it could be used as a platform to start a project or topic. Also, I think it is essential that the class revisits the wiki as a whole group, so that it is not just another assignment to complete, but a tool for discussion and learning.

Michelle T. Grade 1

​ A thought of mine would be to have them give their opinions of band formations, music ideas for performances, opinions of current music (not necessarily pop music. Keep it interesting! Deb Black Great points, I have found that students enjoy using wikis so they don't often find that it is just another assignment. However, the more they use it that might change. I think that if you show the kids the benefit of it and have it in conjunction with tools it will be fine. Don't just use it to use it but if you do find a good reason for it and show the kids the time it will save or the benefit of using it you will be fine. Rick Lapi

**I like to use the wiki for student interaction and collaboration. So I post an assignment where students must write a response and then classmates must respond to them again, and the dialogue can continue. Students can also edit and proofread others' work. I think this is a great way to use a wiki. Students work together and help one another.

One project I did was have the students pretend they were having a problem on the internet (cyber bullying, someone stealing their password and logging in as them, etc) and write in to an advice column. Then the rest of the students were the experts giving advice to the person. By the end of the activity (two periods), the students had advice from the entire class. At the same time, the students were learning internet safety tips.

~Kevin Siegel, 7th Grade Guidance**