Websites, Podcasts, smart boards, does the technology ever stop? Well lets hope not as these technology breakthroughs are making classrooms and Media Centers more and more valuable to all that are involved. The newest (at least to me) technology is the Wiki page. This is a website of sorts that can be used among people worldwide, and it has several options for editing and privacy factors. I think the greatest concept for Wiki pages is also its biggest draw back and that is the editing tool. This tool has some great upside especially for using the page for team projects, but I can also see where editing could also cause a problem. Students need to have a full understanding of how the page works and what can and should not be edited on the page. Although the instructor or leader of the specific page can manipulate the editing clause, you must stay on top of what can and cannot be manipulated. I kind of see this tool having the same problems as Wikipedia has, with so many people having the power to change information it can be dangerous and you should be somewhat skeptical of what you read and believe. Of course there are major differences between the two as well, Wiki pages are for a much smaller group and are easier to keep track of.
In the article "7 things you should know about Wiki's" there is a scenario about "Sara" and her team building a Wiki page for a team assignment. I really like this article because it shares with us another tool you can use with these pages, and that is that it can be published and reviewed by professionals to give you a better idea in what direction you should go. I think this is a great step for people because constructive criticism can be very helpful for writing papers and other projects. I would think most classrooms would frown against this, especially in the lower grade levels because some people can be pretty critical and because you are publishing your page for anyone to access. Wiki pages can be very helpful and if used the correct way can be a huge advantage for students working in groups,
Amy Bowllan tells a great story of how a Wiki page literally brought a book back to life in her article "A Wiki Gives a Worthy Book New Life". I found it very interesting about the idea of reaching out to other countries who have access to the internet. Bowllan states in her article "just think if they can find a participating school. Users can discuss the book, share papers for peer feedback, and so on, all using the Wiki". What a great idea for students to be able to reach out to other cultures, the experience would be educational on so many levels.
I think the Wiki craze is a great way for students to collaborate on really any project or assignment, but it can also be helpful for a single person to use for writing a paper, keeping up with resources and probably a million other ideas. It can keep you very organized in your classes and is very user friendly.
References
1. Bowllan, A. (2008). A Wiki Gives a Worthy Book New Life. School Library Journal, 54(9), 20.
2. Seven things you should know about wikis. (2005, July). Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf
New and useful technology definitely makes life as a teacher and media specialist easier and more interesting. I have used Wikis, probably not to the extent as I use them now, many years ago. The whole point of a wiki is being able to edit work and collaborate with others. Yes, this does have its pros and cons and editing can cause major issues if it is not kept a watchful eye on by an administrator or leader. However, if you keep your wiki contained to a smaller group of people it is a powerful tool. I really liked the idea from the article that you mentioned about collaborating with students in other countries. A wiki would make this possible.
ReplyDeleteBethany,
DeleteI had difficulties with posting to wikis for my second assignment in this course. I couldn't figure out how to post and at one point I thought that I erased someone's wiki. I didn't and it was a lesson. We live and we learn. I am looking forward to create and instructional video for my media center on how to post in wiki. I believe that will be one of my many challenges on my new job as a media specialist. Keeping my fingers cross.
The 7 Things article was quite helpful. The idea of using a wiki to connect with authors or others who can provide constructive feedback and suggestions to students is great. Contrary to what some think, most students can handle constructive feedback. I think that a wiki where someone outside of the classroom provides feedback and assistance to students is very good idea. It allows students to get another perspective and may even bring about a clearer understanding.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you regarding the editing tool and the understanding of the website (&how it works). I have never allowed my students to use any Wikipedia site as a reliable resources for research for that purpose. Yet, with the creation of wiki sites, I can see how this can become a way for students to collaborate on a project, without having to meet up with each other. I am struggling to understand and maintaining a sense of knowledge regarding all of the aspects of Wiki's and Wikipedia.
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeleteI must say that wikis is a powerful tool for use with collaboration in the classroom. I too haven't had much experience but see the enormous potential for my students in the classroom and the media center. This assignment have assisted me in opening my mind and include more technology in the classroom. I am working on creating a wiki page for my students so that they might upload a project they are working on presently. This idea is in its experimental stages and I hope to have it ready by the end of this week. I hope this venture is as productive as our assignments in this class.