Pooling Our Resources

This week, each content area group has been tasked with developing a wiki on which we are to post online resources that can be helpful for our students. This is very different from our past experience with wikis, because now we are working together across class sections, not just within our individual classes. My experience with the resource wiki has been very interesting, as I am the only math preservice teacher in my particular section of TPTE 486. Here, I will describe the ups and downs of working on a wiki with people I do not see everyday in class. 

I have really enjoyed working with the other sections through the resource wiki. This has been an enjoyable experience, because it so simple to collaborate on the wiki. When a big change is made, that member will comment on the page to let the rest of us know what was done and why. Most of the contributions and corrections have been very positive and appropriate. I also love this activity, because we are able to share a plethora of invaluable math resources with one another. It would have taken each individual a very long time to compile this many resources. I am so excited to check out all of these websites!

On the other hand, it is stressful to work with my classmates from other sections without being able to meet face to face with them. One of my biggest concerns with working in the wiki is making a change that others will not agree with. Since I cannot meet face to face with them to explain my reasoning, it is hard to judge if they really understand why I have decided to make that change. Additionally, it is difficult to monitor consistency within the wiki, since anyone, at anytime, can add or delete a contribution or format decision. However, with regular updates and group consensus, consistency becomes easier to maintain. I think that consistency maintenance on this type of wiki is a “learn-as-you-go” type of concept. As more contributions are made, it is easier for individuals recognize and adhere to the formatting of the page.   

I think that the math resource wiki is beautifully designed and fully stocked with great resources. This experience really highlights how wikis can facilitate collaboration between people from many different areas. Whether it’s within the school, the county, the state, or even the nation, wikis can really bring teachers, students, and parents together to create and share great ideas!