WIKIs- a fantastic technology for education

The WIKI technology is fantastic. It can be read and edited by any person, at any time, anywhere in the world. Many creative projects, assignments and class tasks can be facilitated using the WIKI technology. A sample of projects/assignments which could be used in the classroom are as follows:

The first task is based on KLA: English. The cohort could be divided into pairs, or groups of three. They may then be required to write a creative story, or research a specific topic/person/question. Once the learners have finished, another group is to edit it (as a group) fixing up errors and omissions, and adding any additional information they felt was relevant to the WIKI. Each group will go through this process with their WIKIs. This could also be done using a script; each group has a scene which they are to write collaboratively. The same editing process could be used, resulting in a collaboratively written script.

The WIKI technology, in an educational context, is an effective tool when using the constructivist approach to learning as collaboration is required in most tasks (Notari, n.d.). In further analysis of this technology form, it can be seen that WIKIs can be used to aid one in constructing the meaning generated from the content on a WIKI through personalised, easy-to-read knowledge bases (Jonassen, Peck and Wilson, 1999). WIKIs also conform to the Constructivist theory though the learner’s active role in their own construction of knowledge (Boulos, Mamaba and Wheeler, 2006).

Overall, a WIKI encompasses easy participation, generally reliable content on a small or large (even universal) scale, broadened access to information within a topic/subject, social interaction and collaborative progression and growth over time which can be used to build on knowledge for continuos learning (Schwartz, Clark, Cossarin, & Rudolph, 2004).




Nic.





Reference List

Boulos, M.N.K., Maramba, I., & Wheeler, S. (2006). Wikis, blogs and podcasts: A new generation of Webbased tools for virtual collaborative clinical practice and education. Retrieved August 3, 2009 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6920-6-41.pdf

Jonassen, D.H., Peck, K.L., & Wilson, B.G. (1999). Learning with technology: A constructivist perspective. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall

Notari, M. (n.d.) How to Use a Wiki in Education: ‘Wiki based Effective Constructive Learning’. Retrieved August 3, 2009 from http://delivery.acm.org/10.1145/1150000/1149479/p131-notari.pdf?key1=1149479&key2=1810629421&coll=GUIDE&dl=GUIDE&CFID=47327988&CFTOKEN=27121982

Schwartz, L., Clark, S., Cossarin, M. & Rudolph, J. (2004). Educational wikis: Features and selection criteria. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. Retrieved August 3,
2009 from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/163/692