Wikis and Learning Design

'We believe that engagement theory represents a new paradigm for learning and teaching in the information age which emphasises the positive role that technology can play in human interaction and evolution'. (Greg Kearsley & Ben Shneiderman (1999))

Wikis are a free web-based software that allows the users to build a number of interconnected pages within the wiki, or outside, using hyperlinks. Wikis run well on older computers and slow Internet connections, making them less frustrating than web-pages. Wikis allow multiple users to access, add or change the information on the pages. You can embed videos, audio, spreadsheets and charts, questionnaires, discussion forums, history and notifications (RSS feeds).

You could say Wikis are like a digital scrapbook that engages learners in an active collaborative learner-centred experience. Felder and Silverman (1988) Model asks the Learning Manager, within the learning experience design, to consider what type of information the student prefers to use, what type of sensory information they use most effectively, how the student processes information and how they progress towards understanding. To provide for such a mix of learning styles you must use a successful learning engagement framework.

One excellent theory that encourages cooperative, active and real life based learning was developed by Kearsley and Shneiderman (1999) - Engagement Theory: 'A framework for technology-based teaching and learning'. Learners work as a group on project-based activities with a connection to the real world. This meaningful nature within the learning environment is supported by the Relate-Create-Donate framework. Relate to a real life problem and work in groups to solve the problem, then give the results back to the owner of the problem, using ICT along the way.

How can Wikis help in this process? I have compiled a list below putting the two together.

• RELATE - team effort that involves communication, planning, management and social skills. Wikis allow forums/discussions, consensus building, group pages and of course lots of options for feedback.
• CREATE -define, focus and apply ideas for problem solving. Wikis provides a number of tools to be used in problem solving. Whether questionnaires or setting up pages to be used by participants to display research results or ideas. Wiki allows each group to have their own easily accessible page that can be added to by any learner with access. Excellent for Think-Pair-Share.
• DONATE - to make a useful contribution to the authentic learning context, solution back to the real world. Wiki offers an interactive presentation board and summary page. Contents page can be set up, or simply links to pages within. Visual and audio results are easily included.

For the Learning Manager, Wiki provides easy access for assessment too. This can be on the collaborative efforts, visual appeal, use of hyper-links, organisation, literacy, deep thinking and context to the assignment. Providing these outcomes are discussed with the learners prior to the project, the learners can assess themselves along the way to. This type of formative assessment by peers is vital in allowing the Learning Manager to develop other engaging problem based learning experiences.

I believe that technology should be embraced in the classroom and if used correctly play an essential role in human evolution as the initial quote stated.

Other ideas include publishing work, even developing a storyline and having the students finish it on their page (creative writing) - this is lots of fun and you can link all the stories in funny ways. From tuck shop information to timetabling, the list is endless.

To finish today's post, I must include some excellent examples of Wikis used in the classroom.
Westwood School - Wiki Hall of Fame is part of a large Wiki. These pages are reward and motivational, fantastic idea.

The Flat Classroom Project 2008 is a more global Wiki. This is huge and uses online bookmarking to help the sharing process.



Until next time
Johanna

References:
Felder and Silverman (1988) "Learning and Teaching Styles in Engineering Education," Engr. Education, 78(7), 674-681
Greg Kearsley & Ben Shneiderman (1999) Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning - ICTs for Learning Link CQUniversity