This document discusses using wikis to facilitate collaboration and learning. Wikis allow for easy collaboration as they require no HTML knowledge, pages can be quickly shared and edited, and old versions can be reverted to. Wikis foster learning communities by encouraging cooperation, interaction, and shared goals. They support constructivist learning by allowing students to construct knowledge through active participation and manipulation of content. The document provides examples of how wikis can be structured to support different types of collaborative learning, such as individual student pages linked together or a shared class page. Overall, wikis create opportunities for deeper engagement and knowledge building through collaboration.

1. Working with Wikis: Learning & Collaboration in a Virtual SpaceNathan Whitley-GrassiState University of New York, Empire State College, Niagara Frontier Center

2. Why are we here?Recent surveys of top companies found that collaboration was one of the most highly valued skills in new college graduates.How do we facilitate collaboration & collaborative learning to support this statement in a blended or hybrid format?

3. Why not a CMS?It is best to choose a tool that fits your needs rather than creating a need to fit the tool.Course Management System expansion can be expensive, time consuming, and often does not usually allow for student co-created content developmentThird party software provides users with additional free and flexible tools

4. What is a Wiki?

5. What is a Wiki?Wikis are editable websitesRequire very little technical “know how” to editWard Cunningham – Wiki Wiki Web (1991)“The simplest online database that could possibly work”Wiki – Hawaiian word for “fast”

6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/elkit/114382996/

7. Why a Wiki?No HTML knowledge requiredShare knowledge quicklyEasy way to collaborateRevert back to old versionsFollow who’s done what, when, & where

8. How does it work?A Wiki page starts more or less blankWiki pages are connected by internal hyperlinks Every page should be connected

10. Where to find a free Wiki

11. Guide to Creating Wikispaces Wikis:http://ISTE2011wiki.wikispaces.com/

12. Collaboration:Creates communities of practiceCollaborative learning communitiesThe cooperative learning paradigm:Positive interdependence of membersIndividual accountabilityPeer-to-peer interactionUse of communication skills

13. Learning & Engagement: Constructivist Theory – Individual Unit of InstructionCollaboration is at the heart of learningDeeper level of knowledge generationActive and manipulative learningInitiative, creativity, and critical thinking skillsLearning communitiesShared goal for learning

14. Collaboration With WikisCollaboration does not just happenRequires planning on the instructors partAnd don’t forget to Scream….Set the stageCreate the environmentRelease of responsibilityEncourage collaborationAssess regularlyMotivate learners

15. Learning Communities:Are not just group assignments:Learning communities require a higher level collaborationThis is usually brought about by creating: A shared sense of communityA group value systemA common community goalHabituation

16. Learning Communities (cont.):This paradigm has become the template for many cohort-based programs in higher ed.Learning Communities Linked CoursesFreshman focus groupsMulti-part Group Assignments?

17. Forming Learning Communities:A shared sense of communityThe AssignmentRequires interactionStudents depend on one anotherA common community goalCreate a scoring system that examines both individual and group efforts.A group value systemAs students depend...Feel a responsibility to each otherObligationMake it FUN???HabituationIcebreakerStudents need to feel confortable with each otherA Place to call homeThe Wiki!

18. Mediation Models:How can we use Wikis in Collaborative learning?Student Control? Group Control? Instructor Control?Self MediatedEach student has own wikiStudents visit other wikis of group membersGroup MediatedEach group has their own spaceStudent each have a page linked together from a community homeShared SpaceThe group participates in collective activities on one page.Instructor/Class MediatedEach group has a page as part of a larger class wide wiki

19. Sample Learning Community:Group Mediated – Individual Pageshttp://educ7103.wikispaces.com/

20. Sample Learning Community:Instructor Mediatedhttp://forensicanth-nu.wikispaces.com/

21. Additional Wiki Uses:Assembling sources for research projectsConstruct annotated bibliographyPublishing course resourcesConcept mapping or brainstormingStudent comment and revision

22. Questions?http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/blogs/calzephyr/7696/show/Nathan.Whitley-Grassi@ESC.edu

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