The Pros and Cons of the Wiki
Wikis provide an opportunity for students to collaborate on
the learning experience. Instead of just reading and reporting on facts,
students can use a Wiki to add knowledge to the lesson, and also edit or
comment on existing text. Graphics and hyperlinks can be utilized as resources
as well. I greater body of knowledge can develop through students’ thoughtful
contributions to the learning. This creates a more active learning
environment. In a tech savvy 21st
century, learners are comfortable exploring various forms of information.
Passive reading assignments are only a fraction of the ways that they are used
to finding answers. Wikis provide an opportunity for everyone to contribute and
build upon the learning. This creates a learning environment that is less
transmissive and more facilitated. Students take a basic framework and build
upon it themselves. Wikis can be very useful in distance education because it
allows students the opportunity to contribute on their own schedule. Others may
then comment, edit or build upon existing thoughts. Wikis provide instructors
with methods of following the wiki and tracking each member’s contributions.
This makes it easier for the instructor to see that all members are
contributing.
The greatest negative that I find with Wikis lies in the fact
that one never truly knows how reputable the sources of information might be.
This is due to the fact that ALL are welcome to contribute. Let’s look at
Wikipedia for example. One can find answers, definitions, videos,
illustrations, pictures etc… regarding ANYTHING on Wikipedia. It has become a
quick reference replacing the old fashioned encyclopedia. Though there is
valuable information that is very helpful on this site, the learner must be
careful not to use it as a credible reference. It cannot replace peer reviewed
journals that provide evidence based research. Well-meaning though contributors may be, they
don't always have their facts correct. Just this week a discussion arose in one
of my classes regarding a particular scientist who had made a significant
contribution to health care. A student reported on the scientist, including his
date of birth and supposed death. In reality, the scientist is still today VERY
MUCH ALIVE!! When asked, the student reported her source was Wikipedia!
Therefore when using wikis in education, one must careful to check the accuracy
of the information.
Conrad, R., Donaldson, J. (2011). Engaging the Online Learner: Activities and
Resources for Creative Instruction. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
King, K., Cox, T. (2011). The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology.
Charlotte, NC: Information Age
Publishing.
Pratt, D. (2005). Five Perspectives of Teaching in Adult and
Higher Education. Malabar, FL: Krieger
Publishing Company.
West, J., West, M. (2009). Using Wikis for Online Collaboration: The
Power of the Read-Write Web. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Great blog! Everything is so clean and bright looking…very attractive (to me at least)! Thank you for sharing your experience with Wikipedia. I remember high school and college instructors telling us never to use Wikipedia because it was not considered a credible source. I really never completely understood why until now and it really makes sense! If only we had something like Wikipedia, but wait, we do! There are still encyclopedias (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/6610/adult-education) available to us online that we could use as a credible sources…just like the good ole’ days. Regardless, everyone needs to remember to be discerning and critical when choosing their sources.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeletePlease read my long response to Tom, (the wind got ahold of me!) it seems that we are of somewhat of the same mind when it comes to the veracity of wikis. The “danger” of individuals acting on incorrect information that arises in a masters-level course in adult education is fairly small. However, with the growth of online education at all levels it seems that many students will simply take the path of least resistance when it comes to research papers and much erroneous information and disinformation will result from that course of action. There is clearly a need not only to teach individuals how to use the various available technologies, but also to teach them about the potential pitfalls that can arise from their use.
Have a good week,
Lynn
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI am with you on having to watch your sources when relying on Wikis of any form for information. They certainly do not replace peer-reviewed journals and other such credible sources. As students progress in their education, it has been my experience that they are more aware and discerning of where their information is obtained.
I like that you pointed out that Wikis create a more active learning environment for its learners. In this day and age, with our constant stimulation from technology, especially amongst younger adults, I believe anything that keeps students' attention is going to be most beneficial for their learning. For me, having an active learning environment is the best way to achieve this goal. I tend to retain more information from the activity when I can be activity involved and interested rather than just simply reading or listening to lecture. At the same time, Wikis seem to appeal to all learning styles. Readers can read the texts, visual learners can watch videos or see charts, etc.
I have enjoyed the Wiki experience, and plan to use it, if possible in my own classroom in the future.