Wiki+Critique



__My Wiki Analysis__

I believe my wiki page is easy to navigate and clear to read. The title of the wiki introduces the student to the Spanish language from their very first interaction with the website. The very first page is an outline of the Wiki. Students can scroll through the first page to understand how to use the rest of the class Wiki. Images from around the world capture their attention, and the text goes into depth about what they can expect. Also, at the bottom of the very first page, I’ve included my contact information. Students know how to get in touch with me—both electronically and in-person. There is also a chat box in the Wiki that allows for instant messaging between the students and teacher. If they are absent, they can check the class schedule page to know what they have missed. The class schedule allows students to see what they miss each day. Posting a syllabus would allow students to anticipate projects, and class-work.

The information on the website is created to showcase the variety of ways a student can interact with the Spanish language, and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. It offers current events around the world that the students might hear about on the news or on the Internet, and a special section about Latinos in Philadelphia—their hometown. Finally, the students can find practice for classroom exercises. If they are shy about speaking Spanish, they can practice on their own at their home or the library. There is a good balance between links that send students to other pages and information presented on the Wiki. There are important current events, but also links that allow students to look for articles that interest them personally. If I were to change something about my Wiki, I would include more student relevant stories on my website. The reason I have not included these stories is because they are difficult to find—you never know what will interest a student and what will not. I am hoping to incorporate a student created blog that allows students to post stories they find interesting. This would engage students, and have relevant current events listed on the website—two birds with one stone, so to say.

The best parts of this website, I believe are the section about Philadelphia, and the introduction. The introduction is clear-cut and a good introduction to the class and the subject. The local section about Philadelphia allows students to see a real-life connection, and understand the importance of Spanish in Philadelphia. To improve the website, I would suggest to myself that I improve in-class information on the Wiki (add a syllabus, update class norms, rules and regulations.) By forming a better connection between the in-class work and the online class, Spanish will be fluid and holistic. It would seem a more natural relationship between the work in the classroom and at home. Overall, I think this website is not intimidating and is an easy tool for student use. According to members of my group, one of the highlights of my Wiki is the SurveyMonkey survey I've posted on the Wiki. Knowing how hesitant students can feel about learning a second language, they believe that showing my students a number of ways that Spanish is already a part of their lives (TV programs, movies or music) helps apprehensive students ease into the subject. Another comment from one of my group members points to the Voki WEB 2.0 tool I use on the introduction page. The VOKI tool allows the language //to be heard//, not just //seen--//a very important distinction that is frequently lost in an online format.