Wikis are web2.0 tools that are designed to allow
collaboration while working on a project. Originally designed for computer
programmers, wikis provide people with an opportunity to work together when the
physical logistics of getting together are challenging. A wiki can be edited by
anyone with access to the Internet, as they do not need to have software
downloaded to a computer. This also helps when you have participants using a
variety of platforms for editing, including Mac or Windows based operating
systems, as well as those who want to do their work via a smartphone or tablet.
In Library 2.0, Boeninger identifies
three uses of wikis in an educational setting. The first two – for internal
communication and institutional collaboration – have great value, but I want to
focus on the third use – wikis as research guides – as it relates to the use of
wikis in the media center.
One of the most common uses of the media center, especially
with middle and high school classes, is to do research for a school project.
With the limited human resources that some school library media centers have
these days, a “virtual” media specialist would be a big help. Using a wiki to
help guide students through their research projects would fulfill this need. Media
specialists can post links to websites, information about items in the
collection, and other important helps that students might need for their work.
Media specialists can make these “pathfinders” editable by students who find
other information that would be helpful, or he might keep the editing rights
and let the students submit ideas for him to post. As the wikis are hosted on
the Internet, they are accessible by students even when not in the media center
and are available at all times, making them an even more valuable resource.
One downside of using wikis is that the software may not be
considered user friendly. While completing this program, I have had the
opportunity to use various web2.0 tools. Wikispaces is one of the most used
platforms for creating wikis, and it can be a challenge to work with,
especially when embedding videos or other information. Wikispaces also has
limitations in the way that it appears, especially compared to some other
website creation platforms like Weebly. Other programs might be used to create
and edit the wiki that may be better suited to a library’s need, and the media
specialist should consider ease of use, cost, and accessibility before choosing
one.
Another downfall of using wikis is as research guides is
that their true purpose of collaboration may not be reached. If the site were
not editable by the students, then it would be hard to use it to this end. The
student body would need to understand the nature of collaborative learning and
how everyone is responsible for the content included and how to take that
responsibility seriously. Teachers and media specialists do not want to spend
their time patrolling the wiki for instances of inappropriate postings, whether
truly offensive or simply inaccurate information, so the students must buy into
the value of the wiki as a research guide. The editors should also evaluate the
information on the wiki to ensure that no links are broken, that items listed
as being available in the media center are truly there, and that updates are included
when our knowledge or understanding of a subject have changed—i.e., the change
in the Oxford comma rule or the change of Pluto’s planetary status.
Ultimately, using wikis as research guides is a great tool
for any media specialist. They increase the accessibility of the media center
by expanding its walls and hours to include any time and any place. Like all
good technology tools, an initial expenditure of set-up time must be
considered, but if used properly, collaboration on the wikis would handle most maintenance
needs. Once fellow educators and students buy into how great wikis could be,
the possibilities multiply exponentially, media specialists can become more
involved in the learning process, and everyone benefits from the collaborative
nature of 21st century education.
References
7 things you should know about…wikis. (2005). Educause Learning Initiative. Retrieved
from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf
Boeninger, C. F. (2007). Library
2.0 and beyond: Innovative technologies and tomorrow’s user. N. Courtney
(Ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
I appreciate that you noted both the pros and cons of using wiki spaces. I do feel that the most beneficial aspect of wikis is that it allows learning and collaboration to take place outside of the confines of the classroom. Most certainly, the biggest con in my opinion is that anyone can edit the wiki (for those without limitations on who can edit), and that of course can sometimes lead to misuse of the wiki in either a malicious or vulgar manner. I think that it is important to remember we as teachers have to also teach responsibility and honesty when using Web 2.0 tools within the classroom, but of course that will not always speak to all.
ReplyDeleteI do love that you noted that a wiki can be used to help aide students in research projects. I find that this would be particularly suitable for elementary and middle school students. I know that my own students loved exploring the wiki I created over the summer in one of my courses. They enjoyed learning about Greece and seeing all of the websites full of information, but as 3rd graders I feel that they definitely needed the guidance that the wiki allowed for. Wikis can definitely help students become efficient researchers.
I agree with you Amanda, a wiki provides, “…people with an opportunity to work together when the physical logistics of getting together are challenging.” I am glad that you decided to focus on wikis as research guides or pathfinders because I have only ever used them as training pages and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI have just branched into pathfinders and use Libguides – a subscription service that is amazing. They I allow me to create a detailed and engaging research guide that satisfies both teachers and students. I have not yet found any limitation, but I am also new to this.
Thanks for pointing of the limitation of wikis. I agree that I also do not want to patrol the wiki for inappropriate postings, but I can’t think of a way to make sure this does not happen and still offer full student collaboration. However, I like you see tremendous benefits if we use them appropriately and educate students how to interact with them.