Using PBworks for the BCPS Writing Portfolio
What is a PBworks wiki workspace?
The word wiki is derived from the Hawaiian word for “quick,” and put simply, a wiki is a fast,
online, and simple way to create and edit webpages. PBworks workspaces are “spaces that hold
content (created pages and uploaded files). Each workspace has its own users list and settings,
and is a place for your students to hold content” (PBWorks.com User Manual). Baltimore
County Public Schools [BCPS] has approved and supports the use of PBworks wikis in the
classroom.
Purpose and Outcomes
Using PBworks as a platform for writing portfolios offers teachers and students the flexibility to
integrate products in a variety of modes. Writing portfolios created in PBworks can be
transferred to the next grade level, shared with resource teachers and parents, and used by
students as a component of a capstone project or a resource for college/career applications.
The use of PBworks as a platform for writing portfolios is aligned with the following Maryland
Technology Literacy Standards for Students (2007): Students
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1.A.1: Demonstrate knowledge of technology systems.
2.B.1: Practice responsible and appropriate use of technology systems, software, and information.
2.B.2: Demonstrate an understanding of current legal standards.
2.B.3: Understand current safety standards.
3.B.1: Select and use technology tools to encourage collaboration.
3.C.1: Select and use technology tools to increase productivity.
4.A.1: Select and use technology for communication.
4.B.1: Select and use technology to express ideas.
5.B.1: Select and use technology tools to organize information.
For the classroom teacher, selecting PBworks as a platform for writing portfolios is aligned with
the following Maryland Teacher Technology Standards (2002): Teachers
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II.B: Use technology to communicate information in a variety of formats.
III.3: Establish classroom policies and procedures that ensure compliance with copyright law, Fair Use
guidelines, security, privacy and student online protection.
III.4: Use classroom procedures to manage an equitable, safe and healthy environment for students.
V: Design, implement and assess learning experiences that incorporate use of technology in a curriculumrelated instructional activity to support understanding inquiry, problem solving, communication and/or
collaboration.
VII.2: Use resources of professional organizations and groups that support the integration of technology
into instruction.
Pre-Requisites
Before direct instruction, the teacher will need the following:
1. To understand how his/her grade-level team, department, or school-leadership team has
decided to meet the BCPS Expectations for Writing Portfolios1 using PBworks2
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See Resource Sheet: “Scope and sequence of BCPS Writing Portfolio expectations”
2. BCPS Training in PBworks wikis, as outlined by the Office of Instructional Technology
[OIT] and the Office of Library Information Services [LIS]’s Wiki Training and Upgrade
Options3 which will address the following:
 Accessing a PBworks wiki
 Understanding responsibilities as outlined in the BCPS Policies and Procedures
related to Online Collaborative Tools
 Using a PBworks wiki
 Managing a class in PBworks
3. Access to computers with good network connections for all students.
4. Electronic versions of student artifacts
The following may be helpful to convert writing portfolio artifacts to electronic format:
 A flatbed scanner (for handwritten artifacts).
 A headset (and Audacity software) to record oral presentations.
 A video camera to record performance artifacts.
Design Suggestions
Setting up a class page and a class writing portfolio template should take approximately two
hours. The directions and images below reflect one way to accomplish this.
1. Create a new PBworks.com page for each class.
a. The title of the page should include the teacher’s name, grade level, and
information about the class (semester, meeting time, etc.).
b. The content of the page should include links to each student’s Writing Portfolio
wiki page.
c. Control access to (protect) the page so that only the teacher can make changes to
it, but all workspace users (students) can read its content.
A PBworks portfolio wiki might be an individual teacher’s PBworks wiki, administered by the teacher; a grade-level or
department wiki, administered by a chair or team; or a sub-section of the school’s wiki, administered by the school leadership or
technology team. Flexibility and oversight need to be given special consideration when considering how to use PBworks for the
BCPS Writing Portfolio.
3 The Wiki Training and Upgrade Options is a document posted on the Office of Instructional Technology’s “Online
Collaborative Tools” resource center here: https://intranet.bcps.org/offices/oit/online.htm
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2. Create a new PBworks.com page to serve as a student writing portfolio page template.
a. The title of the page should include the teacher’s name, grade level, class name,
and the words “Writing Portfolio template”
b. The content of the page can vary, but might include a framework aligned to the
writing portfolio guidelines.
c. Create each student’s page and control access to (protect) it, so that during
construction only the student and his/her teacher can view and edit the student’s
individual writing portfolio page. Once the student is ready for publication,
control can be relaxed so that all workspace users are “Readers.”