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This project is a real-world example of how students can use Web 2.0 applications to make learning more effective and fun.

• Beginning in October 2008, 5th grade students completed a Presidential Wiki WebQuest in which they researched the job of the President, the election process, and the Democratic and Republican candidates.
• After they had a thorough knowledge of what presidents do and how they are elected, students reviewed the candidates' views on education, the environment, health care, Iraq, jobs and the economy, and national security. 
• Then they chose the candidate with which they agreed the most and wrote persuasive campaign speeches to convince their peers to vote for their chosen candidate.
• As a culminating activity, the whole school listened to the top 8 speeches (4 for each candidate), and they voted in a mock presidential election on November 4. The results were announced at the end of the day just in time to go home and watch the real American election and discuss the process with their families.

Web 2.0 Applications used in the Presidential Wiki WebQuest:

• Wikis
• Uploading pictures
• Uploading videos (TeacherTube)
• Google Docs
• Survey Monkey
• Audacity