Efforts,+Progress+and+Achievements

== Self Directed Portfolio //Learning to use a wiki for Systems of Technology class // Efforts, Progress and Achievements-==

This section is a compilation of Excel documents dictating time spent using the software to edit and improve the site. The software also keeps a log of this information in two places. One is the //History// Tab at the top of each page. This tab holds the history of work done for each individual page. I have compiled this list into one document named "History-per page"
 * Efforts**

The software also keeps a log of the past month of activity from all users and edits and input added to the Wiki. This information is very in depth. It logs the time and date, the page being changed and the author of the change. I have recorded all of this for last month (November) and added an Excel file named "Updates and Changes Nov-Dec" Please reference these documents to see hours spent learning this new software.



The DHSTechEd Wiki was created as a learning tool for students and a home for much of the information used in class. In the beginning progress was slow and I spent a lot of time in a trial and error mode. Changing formatting, layout and presentation to try to find a solution that is not only appealing to the eye, but very useful for students. The first week or so the Wiki was strictly text and had very simplistic layout and information. As time went on, more graphic information was added and sections were created for each topic/project done in class. One of the most advanced sections is the Video Archive. This area is relatively new and is a place where the instructor can "save" helpful demonstration videos that were originally scattered all over the net. Another very difficult section as the online discussion forum. This was a place where students were assigned a topic of discussion and they were charged with the task of forming an opinion and voicing that opinion to the class. This was a bit worrisome to me due to the fact students really had the ability to say whatever they wanted in a relatively anonymous way. I spent some time instruction students on my expectations and the results have been great!
 * Progress**

@Goals
 * Achievements**
 * Create a learning community for class discussion
 * Create pages with hand outs, supplemental info, and videos related to the topics in class
 * Help students take ownership of their own learning by allowing for student involvement and input

My goals, listed above from the Goals section of the Wiki, were mostly met within the semester. I feel my class now has a good learning community within the discussion board. The topics are related to the curriculum, help students form opinions and then debate these ideas with both their colleagues and me. Pages were created and updated as needed with handouts, links to articles and information for use in class. Also videos were posted for two reasons; as supplemental info and as fodder to help attract students when not in class. Early on I learned that making the Wiki bland and too formal would not inspire students to use it. When videos, cleaver articles and games were added, student involvement was increased, as expected.

I found while using the software that I needed guidance in a few areas. I used a few different websites and wikis to base mine from. I accessed information from other students in class when we were given time to meet with our groups. I also consulted the Wikispaces blog for instructional videos and "how to" tips. Luke Forshaw was a wonderful help in getting me started. He is our district K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist. He helped me get signed up and started. He also directed me to other Wikis constructed by fellow teachers in the district for guidance.
 * Miscellaneous Information**

Listed below are links to sites that helped me learn in a variety of ways. Luke Forshaws Blog Wikispaces Blog DHS Architecture Blog EH High School Wiki Application of Physics and Chemistry Wiki wikiHow