I have had very limited and not so wonderful experiences
with a wiki, and I did not find it particularly “quick” or easy, but that was
probably due in part to the dysfunction of our team. I am, however, willing to keep an open mind
on the subject. The most recognized wiki
is, of course, Wikipedia. I could not
find the specific figure but I recently heard a news story about the vast amount
of new content added to Wikipedia each week.
It was an astounding figure and I am sorry I could not find it to
include in this post. This widespread
use gives me hope that I will catch on to it at some point.
Pros:
- Wikis allow learners to actively participate in their own knowledge construction and also participate in co-writing with others (Boulous, Marambal & Wheeler, 2006).
- Can think out-loud while writing and collaborating and others can add thoughts and build synergy.
- “Easy” to create
- Ability to share all types of media in one location.
Cons:
-
Intimidating to the new user.
- Inadequate editing features.
- Security issues - permits unwanted and/or unwelcomed editing if site is unsecured.
References:
Boulous,
M., Marambal, I., & Wheeler, S. (2006). Wikis, blogs and podcasts: A new
generation of web-based tools for virtual collaborative clinical practice and
education. BMG Medical Educations, 6(41). Available online at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/6/41
King, K. & Cox, T.
(2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC:
Information Age Publishing.
West, J. & West,
M. (2009). Using Wikis for online collaboration: The power of the read-write
web. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteWhat did you struggle with before on your wiki? What did you learn the most about a wiki despite the struggle? What do you think you and/or your team can do differently this time around? What advice would give to other groups starting a wiki project…what to avoid, how to work effectively, etc? I agree that wikis can be intimidating for the first time user and the editing features could be more savvy, but we have to realize we are not creating in full-fledged web design software (which I am pretty sure would make most of us turn and run!). What editing features would you like to see that would make the wiki environment more friendly?
Hello Janel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the note, my first and only experience with the Wiki was probably largely due to a dysfunctional team, this was a few semesters ago. Each time a couple of us would add content, another member would change it, then deny she had done so, fortunately it could be reinstated, but we did not end up with a very good product. On a team of 5, 2 of us did most of the content, I would have been ok with that, but the person who was the "expert" was not reliable. We managed to get it done which I guess is the important part. I think I am on a good team this time.
Lynn
Lynn, I hope that you find our Wiki experience more useful in this class than your last encounter. I think the problems you identified are common difficulties when working in any group setting not just using technology. There is always someone doing less, and there is also someone picking up the slack so to speak for those lagging behind. This has always been a pet peeve of mine when working in a group setting.If at anytime you feel frustrated while working on the Wiki assignment for this class, please speak up so that we can make corrections together as a group. If it makes you feel any better, it is good to note that instructors can see what content is being added and by who on the Wiki. Therefore, I'm sure it was noted by the instructor that two of you were doing more than the rest. As for editing changes being made by one member, I think it is important that when working on a Wiki project changes CAN be made, but writers must be courteous and respectful toward their classmates. One should be careful how editing may offend another. It is important that all participants have the opportunity to express their thoughts. The group as a whole can meet using technology such as VALE, Skype, Wimba, email etc... to discuss areas they disagree or want to improve. We must all remember netiquette when collaborating. I hope you find our current Wiki project to be a better learning experience!
ReplyDeleteWest,J., West,M. (2009). Using Wikis for Online Collaboration: The Power off the Read-Write Web. San Francisco, CA: Jossy-Bass.
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carolyn that I hope the wiki you do in this class improves your thoughts about using it. I believe that organization prior to work on the wiki is one of the most important things, but seems to be hard to come by. In my experience, there was always some group members that like to procrastinate, but that doesn't work because there has to be some time added in to edit and clean up the content. One thing that has helped me is to set a schedule of dates to have content placed on the wiki, and then editing, and finally proofing and finalization.
I think your first positive point, "Wikis allow learners to actively participate in their own knowledge construction and also participate in co-writing with others," can work on several levels. One level, as discussed in King and Cox (2011), was that the case study found the use of wikis for "student interactions" used to "enable the faculty to build an environment for students to get together and create a knowledge warehouse of related information" (p.127). That knowledge warehouse could then be used by other students researching similar topics. Therefore, unlike the standard essay, the ability to work in teams and then, post-project, add to the educational environment is very beneficial.
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
I think the issues you encountered when working on your last wiki project are quite common in any group project whether at the undergrad or graduate level. All students work in their own way and at their own pace; this becomes even more so at the graduate level as people have found what "works" for them in the course of their education.
ReplyDeleteSome people are "researchers" and make sure they have gathered all of their information so as to tackle their portion of the project in one shot rather than have to spend a good amount of time going back and forth. This can work, but it seems that in the case of the wiki it might be more difficult, based upon Jacob's comment. However, I think that what needs to be kept in mind during the course of any group project (which I rarely assign for these exact reasons) is that all students are different and work according to the pace at which they are capable. Unfortunately, this pace is often traumatic and problematic for most of us.
I agree with everyone else. It sure seems that the problems you faced with your last Wiki experience are characteristic for most group-learning exercises. One of the perks of the Wiki learning exercise though is that the instructor can track contributions from the creators, to ensure that all students are doing their fair share. I believe this alleviates the concern for some that their work will not be recognized. Wikis, I believe, offer a great teamwork exercise that blends all the different strengths from each contributing member. Do you believe that you took anything positive away from your last experience, and do you believe you have already noticed a difference between your last experience and your current one? What do you think you could of done differently last time, if anything? Any advice that you might have for a newbie to the Wiki experience, or better yet, to your future students?
ReplyDelete