Tricky Wiki

Wikipedia, no doubt one of the most well known, free, online encyclopaedias, was created using wiki software. Is it embarrassing to admit that I had never made the connection between the two -even though wikipedia's title itself clearly mentions wiki in the title? I blame this on the fact that I had no real idea of what a wiki was and the multitude of uses that it actually possesses. Even when I began to play around with my own wiki, I did not imagine how this digital tool could be used to connect and share information with the entire world. After fiddling with my own wiki as well as participating in a group wiki I have begun to see how useful a wiki can actually be. I was blown away by some of the teaching ideas presented in Rotorua East Lakes Learning WIKIS for LEARNING page. Although I have had some troubles familiarising myself with wikis -not to mention some problems with an assignment group wiki, I have really started to witness the amazing potential that a wiki space could provide for e-learning in a 21st century classroom. In fact I was so inspired by ideas such as homework wikis, inquiry projects, challenges, group work and class discussions -just to name a very small few that I am really excited to trying creating a wiki during my internship next year, the only question looming now is what will I use it for...there are so many possibilities. One particular example that I enjoyed was presented in the video presented on moodle titled Wikis in Plain English. I love how it discussed the advantages that a wiki possesses over a tool such as email for group work, as the information and ideas contributed by members 'land in one place' so to speak, as opposed to being sporadically spread throughout multiple inboxes.

Nothing is ever as good as it seems -correct? Can collaborative learning really take place in a wiki if the information presented by members if incorrect? Take wikipedia again as an example. Although we all no doubt have used it at some point in time, we know not to assume the validity of all information presented. So what could be done in a wiki if a user discovers the information to be incorrect? What about ethical concerns? A wiki can be a fun, and creative way to present information, however it does in a sense rely on the good intentions of its users. Gerard (n.d) poses the question in 'Assume Good Faith Limitations', "how can content remain valuable when it is subject to the whims of contributors of dubious intent?"He continues to discuss how it is important that the focus is on fixing the content that is wrong rather than focusing on personal disagreements with the author of the content. I found this information really useful as I think that it is important for me to have solutions for these problems before creating one within my own classroom as problems will inevitably occur. Some other suggestions that were provided within the article included:

-Reasoning with the author. Telling them your point of view until a common agreement is reached.
-Explaining to users that all information will in some way be of offence or disagree with somebodies ideas...however it is important to discern what is truly offensive before reporting or addressing the author.
-Create a new topic providing a different perspective, adding references to support what you are saying.

After analysing the information presented regarding wikis, I have summarised my personal opinions on the uses of a wiki using a SWOT chart. This information is presented below. The left hand sides are definitely more heavily weighted as the most part of what I read presented wikis in a positive light. I would however be interested to hear someones opinions on my SWOT chart. Can anyone think of anymore threats that a wiki could pose within the classroom as I would love to be fully aware of these before using one as a part of my own learning design?

Strengths Easy to use with two primary functions (save and edit). Online collaborative environment that allows for contribution from multiple users. Easy to edit and update. Images and videos can be added to the page. Information lost can be retrieved as users are provided with the opportunity to revert back to a page previously being edited. Contribution from members is presented in an organised fashion unlike email where information would be spread over multiple inboxes. Structure can be changed. Multiple pages can be added. Provides the ability for links to be embedded –sharing of information. Time saver –resources found by one member can be shared with others who in turn save time in searching for that particular resource.

Weaknesses Opportunity for cyber-bullying. If class page was used for many class purposes (homework, group assignments) those without access to the internet and computer would be seriously disadvantaged. Relies purely upon the good intentions of contributors. Certain contribution may be offensive to other members of the wiki. Conflicting opinions could lead to a war of words and in turn detract from the purpose of the wiki.

Opportunities Can create an online community that allows students to connect with the world outside of school. Can create the opportunity for students to collaborate and share ideas. Could be used to create a class page. Could be used as a homework page that supports inquiry based learning- no lost homework sheets. Could be used as the scaffold for an inquiry based assignment. Could be used as a page for teacher, parents and students to connect and interact. Could be used as a calendar or a way to inform parents and students of important upcoming events. Teachers could set individual or group tasks or challenges (see Lynmore Schools ‘Digikidz’). Teacher can setup the page and scaffold the learning in a way that they deem appropriate and suitable to the context. Enables the teacher to monitor a group assignment progress, see the contribution of all members and see the thought processes occurring along the way. Could invite experts to join the wiki. Organise in class discussions surrounding a particular topic. Develops an online community of learners. Students could get to know each other better as they red through their contributions. Students discover similarities and differences between themselves and peers. Students who may not usually contribute verbally in class may feel more comfortable with this type of communication. Develops critical thinking skills as students are asked to contribute to a discussion on a particular topic. Could develop writing skills.

Threats Poor scaffolding could lead to an ineffective, non-engaging wiki.  Lack of students interest in outlined topics or set readings could lead to disengagement with the wiki. Cyber-bullying. Offensive contributions.