What is a wiki?A Wiki is a web site that allows members to collaboratively create and edit content. Several people have can have editing rights to a site. Some Wikis are private, where membership provides access Some Wikis are public, where members only have editing rights but anyone on the web can look at the content.Source: http://elearning.swsi.wikispaces.net/

First, lets define a wiki. Its a web site that allows members (or in my examples instructors/adult learners) to independently and collaboratively create and edit content.

A wiki is a great way to have students share their work experience and learn by working independently and/or together to do research or projects similarly to current face2face courses.

Where privacy is a concern/need wikis can be private by requiring membership access, via logins to edit and view content or they can be open for public viewing where only members can edit content.

Here are three wiki format examples:3Wiki Example 1: Layout Features

Features: Page is divided into five sections with links to infoContent covers entire page Horizontal tabs provide additional item links

Example 1: This wiki format probably looks familiar to you. It resembles the popular Wikipedia site layout.

This wiki page features a navigation bar on the left and is divided into five content areas on the main page with links to other information and graphics.

Tabs located at the top of the main page provide links to assignments, readings and course schedule, etc4Wiki Example 2: Layout FeaturesFeatures: Simple layout, with a clean lookInformation aligned to the leftLinks are located in one areaNavigation area on the right

Example 2: This wiki layout is simple in its design with lots of white space and has clean look that includes graphics and links to videos and research studies for discussion purposes.

Links to course activities are located in one area on the main page under Discoveries and Discussions heading.

The navigation for this wiki is on the right side of the main page. You can access other pages, view classmates project submissions, and even keep track of your own activity.5Wiki Example 3: Layout FeaturesFeatures: Member login/restricted accessThree-column format with graphics and links to info and videos, polls, keyword searches Navigation links horizontal at the top of the page

Example 3: This wiki layout is also simple in design with a clean look . Because it is a private site, membership is required and you must logon for access to all site information.

The three-column format includes links, graphics, video and CBTs for content learning.

The navigation for this wiki is horizontal bar just above the main page.6Pro Evidence-based Research for Wikis2. An Evaluation Study of a Wiki Project at a Midwest Research Universityby Dave Dai and John M. DirkxSource: http://www.lindenwood.edu/mwr2p/docs/DaiDirkx.pdfFactors influencing perceived usefulness of wikis for group collaborative learning by first year students

by Zixiu Guo and Kenneth John Stevens Source: http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet27/guo.html3. Learners Perceived Effectiveness of Wikis for Team Projectsby Elizabeth Koh, and John Lim, National University of SingaporeSource: http://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2010/51/

There is a lot of empirical evidence, online that supports the use of wiki technology as a method of cognitive learning.

Ive listed three studies that conclude that wikis are an effective instructional technology tool and common to all articles is the summary offered by the 3rd study which is that wikis positively affect learning outcomes of self-reported learning, process satisfaction, positive social environment and a sense of community through the processes of task-related and socio-emotional activity. Wiki experience and instructor support were also proposed to enhance these activities.

Koh, Elizabeth and Lim, John, "Learners Perceived Effectiveness of Wikis for Team Projects" (2010). PACIS 2010 Proceedings. Paper 51.http://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2010/51

An instructor from the 2nd research study said the following: I have to really think how I want to design the WIKI and ask myself what is the purpose to use the WIKI? I re-purpose my instruction and my pedagogical moves in order to use this WIKI site effectively. If it is for a face-to-face course and there is already a lot of interaction in class, then I use WIKI as a way for information delivery and storage. If it is for an online course, then I utilize WIKIs discussion forum and communication tools.

7ISD Considerations for CSCL - Clark/Mayer, chapter. 13Consider how to adapt lessons learned from both in-person collaboration as well as from online collaboration as you consider the what, when and why of new social media. pg. 285A wiki would yield greater long-term benefits than a team project developed during the class. pg. 304general consensus is that collaborative [offered in a computer-supported environment] learning has excellent potential to improve individual learning. Slavin (2011) pg. 2811. Ensure social interdependence, 2.Assign ill-structured case problems to small heterogeneous groups, 3.Use guided collaborative assignments 4.Provide clear guidance... pg. 303

Chapter 13 of Clark and Mayer discusses virtual learning. They summarize the lessons learned from research on what they call computer-supported collaborative learning or CSCL, which they define as engagements among teams of two to approximately five members using synchronous and/or asynchronous tools in ways that support an instructional goal...pg. 279

Clark and Mayer state that research data is still being collected and observed as to what works best in the world of CSCL. However, they offer the following Bottom Line considerations: Ensure social interdependence through assignments that are of sufficient complexity to engage a group, team sizes that are not too small or too largeAssign ill-structured case problems to small heterogeneous groups composed of three to five members.Use guided assignments such a structured controversy.Provide clear guidance, roles, and objectives tor team processes. Lastly, Clark and Mayer also state that As a knowledge management strategy, a wiki could also be a useful tool to extend learning beyond the formal training event. pg. 305

A wiki would yield greater long-term benefits than a team project developed during the class. (Clark/Mayer) pg. 304

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CCS 12-01: TynesiaCountry Culture Seminar: Tynesia

So heres my attempt at beginning to create a wiki prototype. Because this wiki would replace an existing face2face course, or an additional e-learning version of an existing course, Ive wanted to keep the design simple. My instructional approach is described in my accompanying paper.

Thank you!

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