Thoughts on Wiki's in the Art Ed. Classroom!

Over the past few classes we have been learning about and discussing Wikis.  I have never used a wiki before, other than looking up information on wikipedia, so I learned a lot from these class sessions.  Wikis are a tool that can be used by an individual or a group depending on how much editing rights the administrator gives to the other members of the group. This is the Wiki that our class made: http://allaboutme26593.pbworks.com/w/page/50155723/FrontPage

What went well:
*The user interface is very simple and easy to navigate.
*It is user friendly, even for a younger crowd.
*I thought the project went well with everybody having the chance to edit and work on the wiki together, it went smoothly for the most part.
*I think that it was a good way to introduce ourselves to the class in a timely and organized manner, and our information is still on the wiki so it can be reviewed if needed, after our in class presentation.

What did not go well:
*I really wished there was more editing features, although I understand the importance of having a clean and simple format.
*It was sometimes frustrating to wait to get on the homepage for editing because you have to wait for the person before you to be finished.

At first I didnt think there was many ways to incorporate Wikis into the art class, but after brainstorming and reading some of the examples we were given, I realized I was wrong.
You can use Wikis for:
*Create exploratory projects: If you’re teaching a new subject, ask your students to collect and share information in the wiki so that you can learn together. -This is great for art projects and planning out what subject you will address in your work.
*Glossary: Get your class to create a glossary of terms they use and learn about in new units, adding definitions and images. - This is a great way to list art terms and artist that the kids can access when needed.
*Student portfolios: Assign portfolio pages to each of your students, and allow them to display and discuss their work. -PERFECT FOR ART CLASS!
*Classroom scrapbook: Share news, photos, and current achievements in your classroom on a wiki page.
* Calendar: Create a calendar on the wiki and encourage students to add their own personally important dates. 
* Hall of fame: Highlight students’ exceptional achievements on the wiki.
* Share achievements: Let parents log in to the wiki to see what their children have accomplished.

All of these examples could really be useful and an asset to my future classroom and I am glad that I was made aware of this tool to aid me in instruction.