Online Publishing Reflection

1. What pages on Wikipedia did you edit/monitor? (Please include URL to each page for individual and group work).

I edited the Wikipedia page for the City of Meriden, CT. I added a link / page under Points of Interest for a historical street – Curtis Street. I monitored it periodically, and, unfortunately, it was deleted because it didn’t meet the Wikipedia ‘notability’ standards. The original page was located at the URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Historic_Curtis_Street&action=edit&redlink=1

2. What is your Username on Wikipedia? UserName: Ayndell

3. What is your reaction to the entire wiki project process? Please describe any positive and negative reactions.

It was pretty neat submitting something to Wikipedia. I liked having a little piece of something published, I think my students would like it as well. I was sad to see my page deleted, but honestly could have put in some better references to meet the ‘notability’ standards at Wikipedia. In fact, I will probably do so later this summer – when I no longer have projects of my own to complete. I think that I would use the Jr. Wikipedia site for my students to publish on. I would also like to create some classroom texts on Wikibooks. This would be a great project for my students next year.

4. If someone from the general public updated or edited your work, how did that make you feel? What types of changes did they make? Did you think that their revisions were appropriate? Did you make any additional changes as a result?

As noted above, I was deleted. I had about a split second of outrage, followed by about a minute of ‘why do you people take yourselves so seriously,’ and then I read the definition of the notability standard and realized that the reference I provided was not enough to meet the standard. I do think the changes were appropriate – or at least they made me feel as though someone with a standard was watching over the content on Wikipedia. I approve of the standard established. It gives me hope for the whole ‘collaborative knowledge’ aspect of the internet. I will be resubmitting my information in the future with the appropriate citations.

5. If someone discussed your contributions, how did that make you feel? Was the discussion positive, negative, or neutral? Did you make any changes as a result? There were no discussions beyond the speedy deletion.

6. Did you personally contribute to the discussion (talk pages)? If so, in what capacity? Did you receive any feedback/comments from others? I did not have any discussion to participate in.

7. Will you continue to check the pages that you updated/created in the future (after this course ends)? Why/Why not? Please explain. As noted above, I will resubmit with appropriate citations to demonstrate notability.

8. Do you think you will edit pages on Wikipedia in the future? Why/Why not? Please explain. I will definitely add my Curtis Street back in, and I can imagine adding additional links to the City of Meriden, CT page as time goes on.

9. Would you consider using Wikipedia in your current/future classroom? Why/why not?

I encourage my students to use Wikipedia as a starting point in all research. I have always allowed that. I will definitely encourage my students to publish on Wikipedia. I will also encourage my own boys to do the same. It’s a neat experience and allows for a better understanding of what Wikipedia is and how it works. In my case, I now feel more trusting of the information I find there.


10. What web site did you select for Part 2 for publishing student work online.
I have no students to publish with right now, but next year I will begin with the ThinkQuest site, Wikibooks, and Wikijunior.

11. What process did you use to locate a web site for publishing student work online? Why did you select the site? Was it difficult to locate an appropriate and relevant site for your classroom?

I used class resources to locate sites. My ideas came from the Richardson text and from our own class syllabus. I really liked the ThinkQuest site that was linked to our assignment page. I love that access is limited to teachers and students. This will definitely provide better feedback, and likely feedback that would be in line with what I, as a teacher, would provide. I also liked Wikibooks. There are not many books that have been completed on the site, but it would be a great place to create class texts next year. This is key for a teacher like me – I’m not a huge fan of standard textbook instruction and supplement ALOT. In addition, I will use Wikijunior for my younger students. It was not difficult to locate sites. Once I get started using them next year, I’m sure I will find even more that are suitable for my classes.

12. Who (what audience) would provide feedback on your student(s) work? The ThinkQuest audience is made up of teachers and other students involved in similar projects.

13. Would you use this web site in the future with your students? Why/why not? Please explain.

As noted above, I plan to incorporate it in my curriculum during the second half of next academic year. My classes are very much ‘process’ focused, and I increase expectations each marking period in terms of the independent completion and quality standards of student work. Adding in the publishing component would be a real concrete way for students to see their own improvement from ‘newby’ to published author.

14. Would you continue to explore the web for other authentic audiences on the web? Why/why not? Please explain.

Absolutely. Though I will start small and simple with what I’ve got, I’m sure there are even better – more social studies focused- opportunities for student publication out there. If not, maybe I can collaborate with a colleague to create one.


15. Overall, what were your reactions to Part 2 of this assignment, both positive and negative? Please explain

I was hesitant at first. My students have typically experienced so much failure and frustration academically, that the idea of submitting work for publication and public feedback seemed beyond the scope of my curriculum goals. One of my major goals is to establish a feeling of competency in my students. It is the only way I can get them to take the chances that promote their growth. I worried that publishing online and receiving negative feedback might be harmful to that goal. Having viewed a few sites, however, I think it could be a great opportunity to do achieve the goal. If it takes all year, ending the year with a piece of their own work published and accessible to them and their families to see is a great way to establish competency and confidence. It is certainly worth the effort, and they will learn a great deal about the internet in the process.