Wiki has the potential to be a valuable technological tool. Initially it was difficult working in Wiki. My group members were able to provide assistance with working in Wiki. The first problem I encountered was signing into Wiki. I was able to create a Wiki account. After creating the account I was informed via email that Dr. Horvick created an account for our class. There was some confusion regarding which account to use for posting and editing information. It took a couple of days but I finally resolve the problem. The next problem I encountered was linking the various sites. I have experience linking sites but for some unknown reason, I could not easily link sites on Wiki. However, after conversing with my group members we were able to overcome the obstacle of linking sites. There was also the issue of editing information in Wiki. To my surprise only one person can edit at a time, which made me become conscious of idle time while on the site. I was not completely in agreement with the idea of others having the authority to change information posted on the site. However, my group members were conscious of others thoughts and input so conversing prior to making changes was helpful. Time restraints also could produce a problem with everyone having different schedules. I am a late night worker which can sometimes be unfair to group members but this assignment is helping me control my problem with procrastination.
As for how I would use this in a classroom, I am sure Wiki would be an excellent tool for high school students. I strongly believe when students reach this educational level they will value and respect the opinion of their peers. Wiki could be an excellent tool in helping to create a community of learners by allowing students to work on group projects without being in the same location. It would also allow students in different classes two work together on the same projects. For example if students where researching the Presidential Election, you could have students from different classes to first chat and then gather on a Wiki site titled Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain . The students can then create a debate on why they support their candidate for President.
With all the problems that occurred in the initial start-up, I think that Wiki is a great technological tool. Wiki has proven to be a resourceful tool in helping me with my group project. I am fortunate to have great group members because without them I would have not been able to navigate through Wiki. I truly appreciate how each where able to contribute to this assignment.
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3 comments:
Tamara,
I love the idea of having students from other classes work on the same project using wikis. I have encouraged students to work on projects form other hours. Student rarely of ever take me up on this option. When I have asked students why they do not take me up on that option, they usually say because it it difficult to find time to work together. Using wikis not only makes this a realistic option but it could be required of students. This is a skill that many of our students will be required to have to work in the future work force.
Rick Bauer
I have to concur with Rick about having students from other classes work on the same project using wikis. Great idea! I also wanted to comment on what you said about only one person being able to edit at a time and being conscious of idle time. That wasn't a problem in my group, but I can see how that would become an easy burden, especially in a classroom or business application. It makes sense that not more than one person can edit a page (or the end result could be two totally different formats), but that brings up an issue that would need to be addressed.
Tamara
It is great to have group members helping out, and I believe will make you a better instructor when your students have questions. I too, had some concerns of posting while a group member was also trying to post. I think the evening hours, for most of us, are the times we are all productive with our graduate courses. As far as the security levels set, I believe we are set as editors which allows us to change the content of all pages. I did find that some of the content I added, was deleted. Anyway, the wiki I have set up for my high school students includes a security level set for them as "readers" which means they cannot do anything that cannot be undone; i.e. delete or edit the contents of the pages. They can only upload work and leave comments, which at this point, is all I need for them to do. I hope you find time to use the wiki in more detail. If nothing else, you experienced another piece of technology!
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