wikis & collaborative
learningthe future of story writing and
peer editing in journalism
Presentation to Mount MACT University Faculty Conference
May 20, 2009
agenda
History (or where journalism has been)
The current model of journalism Problems
A new solution for a collaborative future Pros & cons of wikis Pedagogical benefits Relationship to social capital Implementation Implications Demonstration of wiki
history
Old Skool Journalism
Content creation & editing in journalism has historically been a one-way street between editor & writer
the current model
One-to-one editing process
Journalism student produce content Encouraged to seek peer review but
feel it is redundant
Instructor has final approval Face-to-face dialogue Instructors spend too much time on
correcting errors than facilitating learning
No community input
a new solution
Toward a more collaborative future: We suggest a Wiki
What is it? A website that allows users to make
additions or edit any content within the site
pros & cons
Pros Web-based – no spatial and temporal
limits in collaborative writing/editing. Open sourced technology – cost
effective Tracking capability – version history User friendly User access control
Cons Security/privacy issue Open to spam and vandalism Contents may become disorganized if
not managed properly Must have internet access
learning
Pedagogical benefits Collaboration creates knowledge Develop students’ skill sets Replicates workplace situations Facilitates team building
implementation
tying in to social capital
Social capital defined as resources embedded in a social network that can be mobilized for purposive action (Lin, 1999)
Social constructivist framework: Knowledge is socially constructed
Wiki creates a network of peers for journalism students: Networks are resources; creates
social capital Social capital builds intellectual
capital, knowledge capacity & facilitates future success
implications
Evolving Conversations
CBC News
Conversations, crowds and control
Wikinews
LA Times
Experiment in the Hub
Implications, con’t
conclusion
Faculty’s role in exploring collaborative learning techniques
Faculty involvement in Wiki application Reviewing & editing
Demo of our presentation wiki
Thank you!