Working with a wiki

A wiki can be an excellent tool to enhance the learning of the group through collaboration and sharing of knowledge. Using a wiki is only as good as the development of the content template and can be the difference between a wiki success, and one that is not.

1. Specific goals and learning outcomes must be identified - “A successful wiki project must account the learning outcomes and goals of the project and the unique process of wiki collaboration” (West, 2009, p. 21). We must carefully plan and design the wiki at the beginning stage with the goals and learning outcomes identified. Pros – If it is identified who the learners are, what the wiki is about, specific wiki type, what challenges will be faced it can be a very powerful team tool. Con - Without strict learning outcomes the wiki may become unfocused, unorganized and lead to unproductive learning.

2. Learning must have relevant activities to apply to real situations - “Context gives meaning to content…The role of the instructor is not to provide learning…but to provide context in which learning can occur” (West, 2009, p. 22). The context clearly defines the purpose, goals, framework, and preparation and promotes the collaborative process. Pro – If the best practice is an area that is a dynamic sharing of knowledge, then it could be the best method. Con - If we fail for provide the proper context, the staff will work in a format that may not be applicable or effective to learning.

3. Design your framework – The wiki must be built and planned correctly so that it can provide meaningful learning. A successful wiki includes: clear definition of purpose, learning domain, desired outcome, template design, group rules and a clear assessment guideline (West, 2009, p. 31). Pros – Proper design and framework of the wiki: Knowledge Construction, Critical Thinking or Contextual Application, will be selected based on the learning goals. Con - If the framework is not designed properly, students may not provide the correct information, may become frustrated in the collaboration process and disengage from the activity as a whole.

4. Skill Level – Using a wiki is not difficult, but does require a short learning curve. Pros – Preparing warm up activities to allow the staff to practice in the wiki will be important to ensure they have the right skills to edit and share content. Cons – Not preparing users for the skills required could have some staff disengage in the process, others become overbearing with material, and others being destructive to the content.

5. Handling group struggles – Pros - When the group struggles whether by conflict, clashes, work ethics or other difficulties arise, being prepared to handle the differences, by asking questions, but not intervening (West, 2009, p. 45). Cons – No setting clear expectations upfront on group behavior can cause problems between the staff and make the wiki a battleground. “The cardinal rule for the wiki instructor is: Never Edit Their Page” (West, 2009, p. 51).

How have you used a wiki? Was it effective? What recommendations can you offer?

Brooke



References

West, J, & West, M. (2009). Using Wikis for online collaboration. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.