Using Wikis as a technology tool for adult learners has a place in classroom and in online classroom environments. Using a Wiki requires group participation and peer evaluation in order to create a product for a grade. The end result is a collaborative effort for the class. Richard Platt and Brian Peach reported on their experience creating a Wiki rather than assigning textbooks for a class:
Platt and Peach used a Wiki instead of textbooks in a senior MIS course at the University of West Florida in as a research project in active learning. Originating as an idea to bring current information to the classroom without using rewriting outdated textbooks, the students in the class developed their own source material by working in groups and sharing their results all through a class Wiki page. (Platt & Peach, 2008)
They achieved their goal in collaboration and class cohesion, but the students specialized in information management so the learning curve was fairly shallow and motivation high since students didn't have to spend money on textbooks. This research shows the potential for Wiki use success in adult education, but what about a class with lower familiarity with technology? If the majority of students in the class are not savvy on Wiki use, should the instructor devote part of the class to raising student capabilities? what if there are only a few students unfamiliar with Wikis? The instructor will have to assess the students for their technological skill set and change the syllabus or make a certain level of technology and internet knowledge a requirement for registering in the class.
Collaboration and community-building are a distinct advantage to Wiki in the classroom. Adult learners learn information better if it is learned through self-directed learning. Through Wikis, learners are allowed "to actively participate in their own knowledge construction." (King & Cox, 2011, p. 122) I learn a great deal from my fellow students, but time is also a resource that is paid when "catching up" on knowledge i need to participate in assignments. So, i agree in theory with the use of Wiki, but recognize the challenges that comes with it that add to the pressures of the class.
References
Platt, R., & Peach, E. (2008). Active Learning 2.0 or Wiki is not a 4-letter word (35). Retrieved from Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning website: http://sbaweb.wayne.edu/~absel/bkl/vol35/35bp.pdf
King, K. P., & Cox, T. D. (2011). The professor's guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, Web 2.0, and more for learning. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Pub.
I like your paragraph about students who are not as familiar with technology. I really liked Dr. Kang's survey evaluating students use of wikis, blogs and comfort level with technology. He was able to determine what groups we should be in. I do believe there should be a prerequisite to some classes that include technology.
ReplyDeleteA student can become frustrated if they are not technologically savvy and are in an online course and cannot interact with students the same as a face-to-face class. I was lucky enough to have web design background when it came to creating a blog. And I feel comfortable using most technology; however, a student should not have to determine whether they can handle a course. A survey or prerequisite skills would be a great help.
Agreed. I may be better in the end to incorporate multiple technologies, but make only one the vehicle for learning for the majority of the class. Add other technologies as curios or bring in as a brief introductory exercise encouraging students to explore and use them if they can.
DeleteI definitely agree that Wikis can post problems with students who are not as technologically savvy as the other students. However I believe that point brings us to our own Wiki project that we are doing. In my opinion, to be a good assertive student, one needs to "take the bull by the horns" and if they do not understand something, it is the student's job to either ask or figure out what piece of the technology they are not understanding. If no one speaks up for help, nothing will ever change. Clear communication can also be a problems with Wikis (Edmonds, 2010). An individual may put their information on the Wiki the way they think it should be and another classmate could change all of the information because they think it should be a different way. Communicating through text can be difficult for some students and cause other disadvantages to Wikis.
ReplyDeleteEdmonds, Kelly. Learning with technologies [PowerPoint slide]. Retrieved from Slideshare. website: http://www.slideshare.net/kedmonds/pros-and-cons-of-wikis-and-blogs-3321600
I agree with your thoughts about students with less technological experience needing more time to get up to speed in a class that works so extensively online. I wonder if the solution to this might be a lower level technology course or survey before they could enroll in the class?
ReplyDeleteYour post really did get me thinking about the use of a wiki instead of a textbook in a classroom. Obviously the success of this would depend on the subject matter being taught and the availability/accessibility of information about that subject. As an instructor I would worry about misinformation being presented as fact and about getting the basics of the course covered appropriately. The entire class would be dependent on each student to do a thorough job on the wiki in order for all to learn. On the other hand I can also see this being a huge success in creating the “community of practice” the King and Cox mention (Kathleen P. King, Thomas D Cox, 2011, p. 124) If the class covers a subject students are excited about you could have a great site to work with!
Maybe I'm a purist, but I will always enjoy a book in hand.
ReplyDelete