Aaron Schwartz--Wikis with ESL Content Courses

Wiki support for English Learnersin Content Courses - Aaron D. Schwartz - Soka University of America

SU uses 'learning cluster' approach for classes. Matched Wiki approach to creating learning environment.
Wiki use @ SOKA University 3/22 courses used tools--wetpaint.com--
Vocab course: native speakers helped n-native speakers.
See youtube 'wikis in 'common craft'" to help non-wiki users understand what/how wiki is.
instr created list of terms with defs. didn't meet expectations of 'wiki'... students printed pages and studied for exams.
Critical Media Literacy course: instr provided vocab from readings. Ss provided definitions.
Used different font for Ss generated vocab terms.
Wetpaint wiki shows how many words added per user!
Wiki @ center for collected student knowledge: course text, class discussion, indep research, team/gp activities, guest lectures, etc.; all posted to and developed on Wiki @ center--

Tips:

• keep 'dictionary' terms out.
• context dependent words best. eg America vs. Mexico 1900 vs 2000 for "mulatto"

emphasis of process over product.
class activity is about process.

Challs:

• intrinsic motivation to post?
• how to create a 'useful' text
• grades vs. penalty
• NNS in public forum.
• How should a 'grade' be assigned for a collab project?
• some Ss post many times; others seldom
• Is it a learning resource or a 'finished product'
• frustration of 'empty pages'
• multiple signons and registrations (on off-site tools).

Conversation:
Is 'vocabulary' something to center on?
How to keep Wiki from being center of course?
Ss. need to talk and connect--then report to Wiki
Other model: require Ss to post 3 words/week.