I am fairly new to these tools for teaching students, other than the discussion forum. I think that wikis and blogs can help students to learn by doing. They have to write something that others will seen, so they are more motivated to look facts up and get them right. Having the internet at the same time speeds up the process - I have looked in 3 books and not found the answer to a question and given up. With an internet search engine a question can be answered much faster and more completely. And students learn quickly how to ask better questions.
I have not used Wikis or Blogs for a class, only discussion forums for the distance learning students. The discussion forum has been very successful for some classes. I had a student once give a very detailed, but compassionate account of a problem that ocurred on her externship. It was engaging and I couldn't wait to read all of the other students' responses. I think a blog is like a discussion forum, so I may not try it yet, but I do like the idea of a Wiki. I will try it, probably also as extra-credit. I have both on-line and on-site students giving presentations in one of their courses, and the on-line students usually give a better presentation. They use digital resources more effectively since they are more familiar with them. Our on-line students are helping us to get more technology to the on-site students.
Wikis and blogs enable students to reflect a little bit more before putting things down in writing. Technology and the socialization process have come together to welcome students to author their thoughts.
Using wikis and blogs help students improve their ability to organize their thoughts and express their ideas. Students need to understand that they lose nonverbal aspects of communication when using these tools; they also need to understand that they need to make their messages specific and clear to avoid miscommunication
These are also very useful tools for encouraging more students to become producers of knowledge. There is only so much time in a face-to-face classroom and not all students get a change to participate in discussions. Also, some students do not feel comfortable expressing their ideas in a face-to-face setting. Allowing students to participate and share their knowledge through wikis and blogs can help to overcome both of these obstacles.
Love the use of wikis and blogs. Each student in one of schools where I teach establishes a blog that accompanies him/her throughout the program. It is personalized and comments from other students create an authentic audience - it is a very different feeling/type of motivation than the typical LMS discussion boards.
I find it also allows them to "think out loud" where they may be developing a very interesting idea or concept and then others can brainstorm along with them to see if they come up with a conclusion or if they are still as confused as when they started, but at least they are collaborating in joining their knowledge. I agree with the other comment thought that it is also a good practice to develop the written skills vs just oral/verbal skills in developing their voice.
I totally agree. Students often have great insight into a topic or subject even though their experience may be limited. Being able to communicate this through social media outlets is a way to reinforce their learning.
Krista,
Yes, I have found the use of blogging really increases the individual voice of the students - I have published on my uses with my students in the Campus Technology publication, if you're interested.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Wikis and blogs support students becoming producers of knowledge because all students have the opportunity to add their input and information in a wiki or blog. Altho accuracy and references are necessary for wikis, blogs are typically someone's own thoughts, experiences, or advice. This provides endless opportunities to share knowledge and information with others.
It is funny you should mention that. I have researched and explored literature that explains the benefits of such tools and have very little experience with them outside of the classroom but I have never gotten the opportunity to utilize them in a classroom setting.
The school I currently teach for limits interaction to the LMS contracted with the school. It is discouraged to use any communication outlets outside simply because they do not have the tools or means to formally track interaction. Unfortunately, our current LMS is a little outdated so many of these features are not available yet.
With that said, I am anxiously awaiting a CEE course that helps to explain how to utilize/navigate these specific tools (hint hint) so that when I am able to put them to use, I am familiar with how to set them up :)
Victoria,
Your response sounds like you have some experience with these tools...can you share some specific examples?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Wikis and blogs directly support students becoming producers of knowledge as they are given the ability to collaborate, cooperate and communicate with peers. Wikis and blogs present an environment our current students are comfortable in. Several students can work together, mentor others and build teamwork skills all in the process of producing knowledge.
This helps students to feel a part of the process and allows them to evaluate their own learning which increases autonomy.
Chris, I would be interested in learning about the types of assignments using a Wiki. Students are not allowed to use Wikepedia as a reference when conducting research.
Blogs require the student to think about the responces to the class or the lesson. They might even have to do research for the answers. It keeps the student more focused on his or her interacton with the class
Aaron,
Just make sure that you guide the process throughout and assign grade scores for each step.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Although I am uncertain as to how well wikis and blogs would work with my students, I think that for the more traditional student could be shown the model of the wiki with an understanding toward collaborative properties of information. Wikis are a wonderful example of emergent intelligence. Where one person will inevitably fail in being an expert, a community will more likely succeed.
It gives student's the opportunity to showcase their ideas and knowledge. It will give them a sense of accomplishment since they can demonstrate their success in obtaining the objective of the assignment at hand. They can participate in a nonthreatening environment.
I am looking forward to this with great enthusiasm. The class I have will be only 13 students, half will be going out on externship. This will be much easier for me to handle and evaluate. By the time group A returns I will be a pro. If anyone has any other suggestions I am all eyes. Thanks
Great idea, Vanessa. I think that's how most of us as instructors learn how these tools work and how they change the learning environment - just try them out with students and keep getting student feedback as you go. Telling students ahead of time that you're "testing" out some technology will get them on board as co-evaluators :)
Until I can actually use these tools, I can't measure how well this will work. Presently I have read and digested alot of information in a few days. I teach several courses during the two year RT program. Tools that provide opportunities for students to create their own spaces such as blog tools, Wiki tools, networking tools and so on would be helpful in implementation going forward. My next module begins on October 17, 2011. I will introduce this level of individualized learning experience during our computer lab class. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.
