Exploration of Wikis
Wiki is defined by
Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2011) as a Web site that allows for the creation of
content which is jointly written, so that it can be access by anyone who can
revise, append or amend the multiple interlinked Web pages. A wiki is an active
form of social interaction which is critical for effective learning and which
is structured by its content. By so doing when a wiki page is edited by
someone, the current page is also accessible for amendment as well (EDTK2030
Unit 4, 2013). Wikis are explained as
tools used by multiple authors who mutually edit the pages of a wiki in an
effort to produce a single resource (Klobas, 2006). The educational site can be
access at:
http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Examples+of+educational+wikis
and can be found on the following link: - http://mrsoskil.wikispaces.com/home
The wiki was created for students by their teacher (Mr. Soskil) with clear objectives which is understood by all. The specific objective of the wikis is for the students of Grade 5 to be able to access information, exhibit their class work in an effort to show others what they are learning as well as to share ideas.
The wiki site was designed by using multiple interlinking pages that can be viewed by clicking relevant hyperlinks. These hyperlinks includes links to websites or documents that give the students additional information about the topics which they are studying as it seeks to enhance the information presented. It also connects to recent up to date information. Hence, this wikis due to the variety of hyperlinks which it has, is considered to be an effective source of information. The wiki is quite interactive and appealing to the eyes as it includes features such as voki, videos, blogs, podcasts just to name a few. Through the use of multi-sensory tools the students are more involved and are deeply engaged through the use of hearing and sight. It is designed to engage both students, parents, educators and the community. The wikis is not cluttered with graphics but the graphics that are used add to the message and are not distracting as they are used where needed to further explain the topic. There is an enormous volume of information from across the curriculum that can be accessed on this wiki site from a wide array of subjects including Mathematics, Social studies, Language Arts and Science. This information is appropriately organized using a table of contents with proper headings and underlines.
This wiki is very user friendly. Lots of links to related content is provided thus making the wiki interactive and interesting. This particular wiki caters for the various learning styles of children. For example tasks given are presented in a number of ways to cater for visual, auditory, as well as kinesthetic learners. Parents are not left out. They can follow and access the work that their children in this grade are expected to cover by the end of the year in the various subject areas. It therefore provides them with an opportunity to keep abreast and provide assistance where necessary based on the various topics that are to be taught throughout the year.
One good feature of this wiki is that it spans over a few years, making it easy to access and to follow up on the progress of their children during any one of the featured years. It also presents all information in a style that is appealing and appropriate for the intended audience. Although there are many positives about this wiki, it does not allow editing from just about anyone. However the editor invites other educators to work with him to edit, revise and make amends.
The wikis can be improved by citing all the sources of information to support the credibility and authority of the information presented. Also the images and multimedia sources need to be acknowledged. Consequently, the feature which allows for comments and feedback should be activated so that the community at large including parents could make a contribution.
References
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education Working. (2013).
Unit 4: Educational Application of Web 2.0 Tools. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
Klobas, J. (2006). Wikis, from social software to social information space. In J. Klobas (Ed.),
Wikis: Tools for information work and collaboration. Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.
Lever-Duffy, J. and McDonald, J. B. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology. (4th ed.). Boston,
Pearson.
http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Examples+of+educational+wikis
and can be found on the following link: - http://mrsoskil.wikispaces.com/home
The wiki was created for students by their teacher (Mr. Soskil) with clear objectives which is understood by all. The specific objective of the wikis is for the students of Grade 5 to be able to access information, exhibit their class work in an effort to show others what they are learning as well as to share ideas.
The wiki site was designed by using multiple interlinking pages that can be viewed by clicking relevant hyperlinks. These hyperlinks includes links to websites or documents that give the students additional information about the topics which they are studying as it seeks to enhance the information presented. It also connects to recent up to date information. Hence, this wikis due to the variety of hyperlinks which it has, is considered to be an effective source of information. The wiki is quite interactive and appealing to the eyes as it includes features such as voki, videos, blogs, podcasts just to name a few. Through the use of multi-sensory tools the students are more involved and are deeply engaged through the use of hearing and sight. It is designed to engage both students, parents, educators and the community. The wikis is not cluttered with graphics but the graphics that are used add to the message and are not distracting as they are used where needed to further explain the topic. There is an enormous volume of information from across the curriculum that can be accessed on this wiki site from a wide array of subjects including Mathematics, Social studies, Language Arts and Science. This information is appropriately organized using a table of contents with proper headings and underlines.
This wiki is very user friendly. Lots of links to related content is provided thus making the wiki interactive and interesting. This particular wiki caters for the various learning styles of children. For example tasks given are presented in a number of ways to cater for visual, auditory, as well as kinesthetic learners. Parents are not left out. They can follow and access the work that their children in this grade are expected to cover by the end of the year in the various subject areas. It therefore provides them with an opportunity to keep abreast and provide assistance where necessary based on the various topics that are to be taught throughout the year.
One good feature of this wiki is that it spans over a few years, making it easy to access and to follow up on the progress of their children during any one of the featured years. It also presents all information in a style that is appealing and appropriate for the intended audience. Although there are many positives about this wiki, it does not allow editing from just about anyone. However the editor invites other educators to work with him to edit, revise and make amends.
The wikis can be improved by citing all the sources of information to support the credibility and authority of the information presented. Also the images and multimedia sources need to be acknowledged. Consequently, the feature which allows for comments and feedback should be activated so that the community at large including parents could make a contribution.
References
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education Working. (2013).
Unit 4: Educational Application of Web 2.0 Tools. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
Klobas, J. (2006). Wikis, from social software to social information space. In J. Klobas (Ed.),
Wikis: Tools for information work and collaboration. Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.
Lever-Duffy, J. and McDonald, J. B. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology. (4th ed.). Boston,
Pearson.