Reflection on Wiki's (S.W.O.T analysis)

Wiki's are a group of web pages that unlike blogs allow other users to edit the content. They are highly flexible and a-temporal in nature as interlinking textual references don't change according to a time schedule as blogs do, but rather through the continual development of the text edited. The potential of the Wiki in a teaching context is for group brainstorming activities to influence higher order thinking skills. Such a tool can also be used to create learning environments that reciprocate diversity in the classroom and inclusiveness of all learners. The Wiki can be structured to scaffold elements of all learning theories (behaviourism, constructivism and cognitivism) thus giving learners the opportunity to ultimately achieve the "pedagogical view" known as connectivism. As was the case with blogs the context of the learning environment will depend on how wikis are used in the classroom. One of the main concerns with wikis as opposed to blogs are extra security concerns from external influences if public domain settings are not set to block such activity. Therefore as students become adapt at using a wiki for collaborative authorship, writing, research projects and annotated bibliographies of their work, they must also become more adapt at knowing how to work safely, ethically and securely while using such technology. 

For more information on Wikis see previous blog.        

Strengths Builds connections between new and old knowledge Influences the development of Bloom's taxonomy through synthesis and evaluation Enhances creativity/engagement Develops interpersonal skills/communication skills/teamwork skills Improves writing ability Stimulates metacognition User friendly Free of charge

Weaknesses No spell check could provide embarrassment for students and open them to ridicule thus making them apprehensive about participating Ethical considerations exist as inappropriate material could be posted by students Security of information is at risk (accidental erasures and malicious editing) Advertisements can be displayed depending on the type of Wiki which are very distracting for students

Opportunities Allows teachers to provide a learning environment that encourages, promotes, and values classroom diversity Allows teachers to promote digital citizenship through discussions about copyright Allows teachers to model skills for learning in digital age work Enhances inclusive learning

Threats   Open to the public domain if settings are not locked in private view and protected member only editing. Failure to ensure this occurs will make students vulnerable to outside influences thus risking the security of students and possibly exposing them to cyber-bullying, inappropriate material or physical harm. Copyright/plagiarism of information sourced externally could occur in written, video, imagery and sound formats

The link below is a great example of how wikis can be used enhance mathematics learning outcomes.

21st Century Skills Project (Wiki math mindmaps)

REFERENCES

Duffy, P., & Bruns, A. (2006). Use of blogs wikis and RSS in education: A conversation of possibilities. Retrieved from http://eprints.qut.edu.au/5398/