Creating a Wiki

Today I learnt how to create a wiki site which can be used in classes in a number of ways to enhance learning. This is the wiki that I created. It has been set out in a draft format of how I would teach a family law unit to a senior legal studies class.

What are wikis?

Wikis are websites which allow its users to “add, modify, or delete its content via a web browser using a simplified mark-up [sic] language or a rich-text editor” (wikipedia, 2012). The world’s most famous wiki site is wikipedia.

Wikis are great because they allow users to do so many things. All users are able to write on and edit the wiki space, contributing their own ideas, whether it be through a class discussion or another scaffolded exercise. Students can click on links to other websites and they can also view video clips and listen to podcasts that are embedded in the wiki space.

This is a youtube clip which explains wikis a little further.

How can wikis aid learning?

Wikis are a prime example of collaborative learning using technology. “Technology supported collaborative learning, assists individuals to work as a team for a common purpose or mission by using computer, internet and such technologies,” (Keser, Uzunboylu, Ozdamli, 2011, p103). This type of learning incorporates both connectivism and constructivism learning theories. To learn more about those theories see my previous blog on the Six Thinking Hats Wiki.

My teaching areas are legal studies and English. Both of these subjects are well suited to the use of wikis because of the vast array of tools and activities that can be used in the websites.

Some ways in which I can see myself using wikis for my legal studies and English classes are:

·         Online class discussions on lesson topics. These may be scaffolded to allow for a more in-depth analysis of topics.

·         Online debates on social issues. Again, these may be scaffolded.

·         Assignment discussions- a way to share resources and ideas.

·         Online jigsaw- class is split into groups and those groups research a particular aspect of a unit topic and then write their findings on the wiki site.

·         Viewing course material online and following links to relevant websites.

·         Building an online class dictionary/glossary.

SWOT ANALYSIS OF WIKIS

Here is my SWOT analysis of wikis:

Strengths

·         Encapsulates the learning theories of connectivism and constructivism through online collaborative learning.

·         Is engaging for students because it utilises technology they use everyday.

·         Allows for student-centred learning rather than teacher-centred learning.

·         Has an unlimited supply of resources because it can be linked to the world wide web.

·         A fast way of accessing and recording information.

·         Allows for teachers to assess students’ progress by looking at their contributions online (rather than having to check 30 different exercise books).

·         Diverse- so many tools can be used on wikis!

Weaknesses

·         Students may not utilise the space properly, by adding inappropriate material.

·         This style of learning does not suit all students and some may not enjoy or learn well on these sites.

·         Some students may not contribute as much as others because they are lazy.

·         Technology does not always work. There may be problems with links or tools used on the site or problems with the Internet connection itself.

·         Difficulties with trusting the information on the site. Students aren’t experts on topics.

Opportunities

·         Creates a sense of community/ cohesion/ team-building.

·         Endless connections to other sources of information.

·         Allows for knowledge to be built upon.

Threats

·         Users can erase content (accidentally or on purpose).

·         Students can be subject to unwanted invasions of privacy and internet security breaches.

·         Students may be exposed to offensive material.

·         Student bullying may occur if the site is not closely monitored.

·         Students need to be cautious of copyright laws.

It should be noted that the above threats can largely be avoided if teachers and schools implement risk management.

My Personal learning experience with wikis

As discussed in my previous blog on the Six Thinking Hats wiki, I found participating in a wiki activity to be very beneficial to my learning.

The Six Thinking Hats wiki was very well scaffolded, requiring me to think on a deep level, analysing the topic (mobile phones in the classroom) from a number of perspectives.

After participating in a wiki activity I am certain I will use wikis in my classroom, ensuring the activities are always well scaffolded to assist my students’ learning.

References

Keser, H., Uzunboylu, H., Ozdamli, F. (2011) The trends in technology supported collaborative learning studies in 21st century. World Journal on Educational Technology 3(2) 103-119.

Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm.

Wikiepedia. (2012). Wiki. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki.