Wikis:
Pros and Cons for Adult Learners
Just
as we have done in previous weeks with discerning between discussion boards and
Blogs, this week we will look at the pros and cons of Wikis for Adult
Learners. I think before we go into
breaking down the pros and cons, we must first understand what a Wiki is and
the right use for them. Once that has
been established, the pros and cons will have proper context I believe to
identify them.
West
& West define a Wiki simply as “an online collaborative writing tool”
(2009). They also go on to state, “
Wikis are best suited for collaborative activities, especially those that are
dynamic and nonlinear in construction and will result in a shared product or
outcome” (2009).
Pros:
·
Is a social process in which learning takes place even with participants
with different skill levels (King & Cox, 2011).
·
In most educational settings is free.
·
Ownership by all participants.
·
User friendly
·
Collaboration
·
Technical experience helps (reduces time to build Wiki).
Cons:
·
Some technical experience is needed.
·
The number of individuals collaborating on the Wiki.
·
Designing and facilitating is often difficult for new users (West &
West, 2009, p.19).
·
Security and anyone can make changes or additions within the group.
There
are many pros and cons for using Wikis for adult learners, but it is my opinion
that the pros out weight the cons. The collaborative
nature of Wikis make them great learning tools and ultimately maximize the
learning of all involved no matter what their experience is.
West, J., & West, M. (2009). Using wikis for online
collaboration. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
King, K., & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming
technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
I was wondering what cons do you think there are in utilizing wikis besides what the references state. Have you ever used them before? Would you if teaching an online class incorporate them in your course?
ReplyDeleteI myself believe right now that you really need a large amount of technical knowledge on using wikis. It is one area I am lacking. I am realizing that it is a large learning curve and that I have to ask for help of my group members. I feel kind of lost. I am sure I will become more confident as I learn but it is still unknown territory for me.
I think Wikis are important, but I think more so for the class we are taking now or an introductory course. I've done several Wikis and I still learn something new every time. Once you've done a couple, they get easier.
DeleteHi Ryan:
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. You made some excellent points in regards to the pros and cons of using a wiki for educational purposes. Two of your "con" statement really struck a never with me:
* Some technical experience is needed.
* Designing and facilitating is often difficult for new users (West & West, 2009, p.19).
Technical experience is definitely needed when working on a wiki for the 1st time. Some of the formatting functions are not intuitive (e.g., use of widgets and applying embed codes)and require review and practice. In addition, if one wants to move beyond a basic simple layout design of a wiki, some HTML skills might be required. For the novice wiki user, designing a wiki may also a little frustrating. Instructors need to supply adequate technical. Adult learners are often resilient and if offered adequate academic, social, and technical support, they will excel in the the web 2.0 learning environment (Quinsee & Hurst, 2005).
~Aja
___________________________________
Reference
Quinsee, S., & Hurst, J. (2005, January). Blurring the boundaries?: Supporting students and staff within an online learning environment. ERIC. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED494786.pdf
Ryan:
ReplyDeleteWhat is your experience with using wikis, either as a student or instructor? What has been the most remarkable experience for you utilizing this form of technology and why?
Please explain any new insight you have gained during this wiki assignment you will keep in mind when developing and working with wikis in the future either as a student or educator.
Do you recommend wikis in all online educational settings?
~Sarah
I really like the fact you created this lesson plan for when there is a relief officer. It appears to give them needed information. I was wondering if this lesson would be taught in a computer lab since students are creating wikis. Have you taught this class before?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the roles of the project officers? I take it they must have a lot of responsibility. I really like the fact that in the first week you have them all introduce themselves and you give a general course overview. You have a basic overview in Week 5. If I understand it, that would be on the wiki basics and what is required in creating them.
I also like the student critique of each other’s wiki in week 7 and then the final presentation to the Operations Section Chief. What kind of presentations would this be? Would this consist of everything they have learned?
I was also wondering if other project officers teach courses similar to this one. If not, they would have a great mentor in you with this lesson plan. Other instructors could shadow you as you teach this lesson. This would be a great asset to any educational institution. Great job!