Since I have never really created a blog or a wiki for myself I decided that I really needed to make it a little clearer about what each one really is and used for.
Here is what I found.....
Basically a wiki is a web page that can be viewed by anyone that has access to the internet and a web browser. This type of site can be used as a collaborative site where groups of people can learn, however anyone can view and modify the information that is contained in the wiki. It can be said that a wiki can grow and evolve as a result of people adding and editing information. One advantage of a wiki is that they can be accessed from anywhere as long as internet access is available and this is why it is such a successful collaborative learning tool.
As mention the downside is that anyone can edit, delete and alter the information that is contained with in the wiki and this could cause irritation and ill feeling between participants if not done with consideration and respect.
This type of collaboration is not limited to learners but could be used in the work place. Teachers could use it to collaborate across year levels when planning is occurring and not everyone can be together. Many different types of projects could be collaborated through a wiki.
A quick summary has been concluded by using a SWOT analysis:
Strengths:
Collaborative learning tool and a way that learners can communicate to each other to provide feedback and extend on ideas
Internet access available, can be used
Text and images can be included
Learning Managers can use to see if everyone contributes
Learning manager can set tasks
Engaging tool
Weaknesses:
In a learning context Learning Managers need to ensure that they scaffold the learning so that the intended learning outcomes are achieved
Sometimes it is found that face to face contact also needs to be incorporated
Threats:
A wiki allows for learners to delete or edit others learners contributions
Opportunities:
The learning manager gets to view who is contributing
Allows learners to develop thinking skills based on what other learners contribute.
This type of tool would assist learners in building on their own ideas by viewing and considering what their peers contribute. This tool can be linked to the constructivist theory.
More information can be obtained from
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf
So next I moved on to a blog....Never knew that a blog was derived from a Web log.... Basically a blog in simple terms is a way to share news and a little like a diary I guess. Since this was realized early I began to think about the ways that learners could use this in the classroom and one thought that came to mind was that learners could use it to write either a daily reflection or a weekly reflection that occurred about their learning (depending on the availability of resources/computer etc). If learners all had I-pads this could be done daily, or it could be completed as part of their computer lab time. This could also be a way that a mobile phone could be used in the classroom if available to each student?? A blog is also a great collaborative learning tool as people can follow and communicate to each other via one of theses sites. If learners were going to be away from the class for extended time a blog is a way that they could keep in contact with the other learners. This could be a way for students to still remain social with their friends as well as keeping in touch with what is being learnt.
Another site to use to set up a blog is Wordpress.com
A quick summary has been concluded by using a SWOT analysis:
Strengths:
Can be used as a reflective tool
Engaging
Great way for peers getting to know each other and can be used as a form of providing comments
Weaknesses:
Does not allow for actual teaching to occur
Threats:
Learners may feel insecure about comments that may be placed on or about their own thoughts
It is like someone reading your personal journal
Opportunities:
The learning Manager can view how the learners are scaffolding their own learning and thinking.
Learning managers can access to mark of provide comments
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