why wiki...and for what?
DESCRIPTION
This presentation addresses the practical and pedagogical benefits of wiki use. It also shows the contexts in which wikis can be useful and highlights a number of great wiki sites in each of these contexts.TRANSCRIPT
Why
…and for what?
Hi, my name is Patrice.
Welcome to my little foray into the world of wikis!
We all know what a wiki is by now, right?
To refresh, let’s take a peak at what the (in)famous Wikipedia has to say.
So that’s a wiki, but why use a wiki and for what?
Let’s start with the “why”.
Why?
The Nuts and Bolts
Wikis…1
Wikis…1
• are free
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor• can be used on PCs or on Macs
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor• can be used on PCs or on Macs• can run on older computers
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor• can be used on PCs or on Macs• can run on older computers• function with a slower Internet connection
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor• can be used on PCs or on Macs• can run on older computers• function with a slower Internet connection• can be accessed at home and at school
Wikis…1
• are free• are easy to set up• are easy to use, update and monitor• can be used on PCs or on Macs• can run on older computers• function with a slower Internet connection• can be accessed at home and at school• supply easy access to information due to keyword search
Beyond The Nuts and Bolts
An Educational Perspective2
“Wikis enact knowledge building with and for others. The focus is on the community itself rather than on the individual learner. (Holmes, Tangney, FitzGibbon, Savage, & Mehan, 2004). The implications of communal constructivism for the university context are of particular import. In the words of Holmes et al. (2001), “What we argue for is a Communal constructivism where students and teachers are not simply engaged in developing their own information but actively involved in creating knowledge that will benefit other students. In this model, students will not simply pass through a course like water through a sieve but instead leave their own imprint in the development of the course, their school or university, and ideally the discipline.”3
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay
“When students do not like what they see-for example, the approaches taken by others-they may act to create otherwise.” (Scardamalia et al. 1994)5
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic
All can participate.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time
Students can take time to think so what they write can be well-considered.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based
This places greater emphasis on quality content creation and/or comprehension.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration
Non-hierarchical decision making can occur between students.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing
Mutually edited content has the potential to improve the quality of ideas.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing• make feedback very public
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing• make feedback very public
Wikis provide a great opportunity to read and respond to others.
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing• make feedback very public• enable anonymity
The “Pedagogical Potential”4 of Wikis
Wikis…• maximize interplay• are democratic• work in real time• use technology that is text-based• promote negotiation and collaboration• permit collaborative document editing• make feedback very public• enable anonymity
With this anonymity comes responsibility. A teacher’s role is to provide guidance here.
So now we have a handle on the “whys” of wiki. Let’s talk about what we might use them for.
For What?
For What?Wikis can be used to…6
For What?Wikis can be used to…6
• provide internal communication
For What?Wikis can be used to…6
• provide internal communication• create a collaborative environment
For What?Wikis can be used to…6
• provide internal communication• create a collaborative environment• guide research
For What?Wikis can be used to…6
• provide internal communication• create a collaborative environment• guide research• create rich classroom experiences
Let’s get specific!
Internal Communication
Internal Communication• Web pages tend to become out-of-date because
only a few people add and maintain content. Not so with wikis.
Internal Communication• Web pages tend to become out-of-date because
only a few people add and maintain content. Not so with wikis.
• Since anyone can add to a wiki, communication amoung users can be more timely and relevant.
Internal Communication• Web pages tend to become out-of-date because
only a few people add and maintain content. Not so with wikis.
• Since anyone can add to a wiki, communication amoung users can be more timely and relevant.
• Have you thought about using a wiki as a portal for assignments and to provide additional resources for your class?
Some examples of wikis used for internal communication
Some examples of wikis used for internal communication
Classroom example: http://westwood.wikispaces.com
A great initiative by Vicki Davis at Westwood Schools
Some examples of wikis used for internal communication
Classroom: http://westwood.wikispaces.comA great initiative by Vicki Davis at Westwood
Schools
Staff Library: https://wiki.lib.umn.eduUniversity of Minnesota Library
Some examples of wikis used for internal communication
Classroom: http://westwood.wikispaces.comA great initiative by Vicki Davis at Westwood
Schools
Staff Library: https://wiki.lib.umn.eduUniversity of Minnesota Library
Canadian: http://hlwiki.slais.ubc.ca/index.php/UBC_HealthLib-Wiki_-_A_Knowledge-Base_for_Health_Librarians
Collaborative Environment
Collaborative Environment
Collaboration=the exchange of ideas and knowledge within a group
Collaborative Environment
Collaboration=the exchange of ideas and knowledge within a group
The use of a wiki can expand collaboration into a very large audience
Collaborative Environment
Collaboration=the exchange of ideas and knowledge within a group
The use of a wiki can expand collaboration into a very large audience.
A wiki is an ideal way for libraries to be at the centre of the schools, campuses and communities they serve.
Collaborative Environment
Collaboration=the exchange of ideas and knowledge within a group
The use of a wiki can expand collaboration into a very large audience.
A wiki is an ideal way for libraries to be at the centre of the schools, campuses and communities they serve.
A great tool for collaborative writing in schools!
Some examples of wikis used to promote collaboration
Some examples of wikis used to promote collaboration
Collaboration in Elementary School:http:www.grandviewlibrary.org/thirdGradeWikis.aspx
Some examples of wikis used to promote collaboration
Collaboration in Elementary School:http:www.grandviewlibrary.org/thirdGradeWikis.aspx
Collaboration in Economics:http://welkerswikinomics.wetpaint.com/
Some examples of wikis used to promote collaboration
Collaboration in Elementary School:http:www.grandviewlibrary.org/thirdGradeWikis.aspx
Collaboration in Economics:http://welkerswikinomics.wetpaint.com/
Math collaboration: http://planetmath.org
Research Guide
Research GuideWikis provide a great alternative to traditional
subject guides or pathfinders
Research GuideWikis provide a great alternative to traditional
subject guides or pathfinders
Wikis allow management of dynamic content
Research GuideWikis provide a great alternative to traditional
subject guides or pathfinders
Wikis allow management of dynamic content
Wikis enable and empower librarians to create and edit their own content. No web manager required.
Some examples of wikis being used as research guides
Some examples of wikis being used as research guides
Library Success: A Best Practices Wikiwww.libsuccess.org
Some examples of wikis being used as research guides
Library Success: A Best Practices Wikiwww.libsuccess.org
The Biz Wiki: http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/index.php/Main_Page
Some examples of wikis being used as research guides
Library Success: A Best Practices Wikiwww.libsuccess.org
The Biz Wiki:http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/index.php/Main_Page
Doucette Library of Teaching Resources:http://wiki.ucalgary.ca/page/Doucette
Classroom Opportunities
Classroom OpportunitiesVicky Davis (2006) suggests you use wikis for…
Classroom OpportunitiesVicky Davis (2006) suggests you use wikis for…
• “Choose your own path” stories
Classroom OpportunitiesVicky Davis (2006) suggests you use wikis for…
• “Choose your own path” stories• Lesson summaries
Classroom OpportunitiesVicky Davis (2006) suggests you use wikis for…
• “Choose your own path” stories• Lesson summaries• Collaboration of notes
Classroom OpportunitiesVicky Davis (2006) suggests you use wikis for…
• “Choose your own path” stories• Lesson summaries• Collaboration of notes• Concept introduction and exploratory projects
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies• creation of online texts for classroom curriculum
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies• creation of online texts for classroom curriculum• poetry wikis
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies• creation of online texts for classroom curriculum• poetry wikis• history-of-the-school wikis
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies• creation of online texts for classroom curriculum• poetry wikis• history-of-the-school wikis• brainstorming wikis
Classroom OpportunitiesWill Richardson (2009) suggests you use wikis for…
• Wiki book studies• creation of online texts for classroom curriculum• poetry wikis• history-of-the-school wikis• brainstorming wikis
Shall I go on?
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunities
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunitiesA book study: Turn Homeward, Hanneleehttp:wiki.woodward.edu/hannelee/doku.php
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunitiesA book study: Turn Homeward, Hanneleehttp:wiki.woodward.edu/hannelee/doku.php
Mrs. Garmey’s Classroom Wiki:http://mrsgarmey.wikispaces.com
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunitiesA book study: Turn Homeward, Hanneleehttp:wiki.woodward.edu/hannelee/doku.php
Mrs. Garmey’s Classroom Wiki:http://mrsgarmey.wikispaces.com
GCSE History Wiki: http://gcsehistory.wikispaces.com
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunitiesA book study: Turn Homeward, Hanneleehttp:wiki.woodward.edu/hannelee/doku.php
Mrs. Garmey’s Classroom Wiki:http://mrsgarmey.wikispaces.com
GCSE History Wiki: http://gcsehistory.wikispaces.com
Wikibooks: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page
Some examples of wikis being used to create rich
classroom opportunitiesA book study: Turn Homeward, Hanneleehttp:wiki.woodward.edu/hannelee/doku.php
Mrs. Garmey’s Classroom Wiki:http://mrsgarmey.wikispaces.com
GCSE History Wiki: http://gcsehistory.wikispaces.com
Wikibooks: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page
“Flat Classroom” projects: http://www.flatclassroomproject.org
Thank you for joining me in what Chad Boeninger calls “The Wonderful World of Wikis”!7
He also describes what qualities are required to create a wiki…8
He also describes what qualities are required to create a wiki…8
“a vision”
He also describes what qualities are required to create a wiki…8
“a vision”
“some creativity”
He also describes what qualities are required to create a wiki…8
“a vision”
“some creativity”
“and the desire to explore something new.”
My Resources
Boeninger, C. (2007). The Wonderful World of Wikis: Applications For Libraries. In N. Courtney, Library 2.0 And Beyond: Innovative Technologies and Tomorrow’s User (pp. 24-33). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Boyd, R. (2007). The Wiki Way. Retrieved fromhttp://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com/Wikis
Davis, V. (2006). How I use Wikis. What do you do? Retrieved fromhttp://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-i-use-wikis-what-do-you-
do.html
Fountain, R. (2005). Pedagogical Potential. Retrieved fromhttp://www.profetic.org/dossiers/article.php3?id_article=970
Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
Wiki. (2010). In Wikipedia. Retrieved fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
My Footnotes(in lieu of in-text citations)
1 Boyd (2007)
2 Fountain (2005)
3 Fountain (2005) (p.1)
4 Fountain (2005) (p.1)
5 Fountain (2005) (p.1)
6 Boeninger (2007)
7 Boeninger (2007) (p.24)
8 Boeninger (2007) (p.33)
If you would like to read more of what I read…
Meredith Farkas at WebJunctionhttp://www.webjunction.org/technology/web-tools/articles/content/438229
Darlene Fichter, Using Wikis to Support Online Collaboration in Libraries http://library2.usask.ca/~fichter/articles/2006.01.Using_Wikis_to_Support_Online_Collaboration_in_Libraries.pdf