The readings this week on wikis was very interesting.  My experience with Wiki’s is very limited.  I did have a course in my undergrad studies where we used a wiki but honestly I don’t remember why and what we did with it.  I know of Wikipedia but I never really thought about how we could use wikis in the classroom.  I learned wikis could also be applied in curriculum planning and professional development.  What a great way to collaborate, share and organize information at times that are convenient to those involved.

Some common knowledge building activities I noticed in many of the case studies include, collaboration and synthesis of information.  After looking at more examples of how wikis can be used in the classroom I see how students are taking information, trying to make meaning/understand information and then rework that information to create a new meaning or understanding and reflect by asking questions or offering new insights.  It is more about the process of learning and acquiring new knowledge and less about the product or outcome.  We have read many articles about the social aspect of learning and collaboration and wikis is another way to do that.

The quality of knowledge building in large wikis, like Wikipedia, and smaller wikis used in classrooms is similar because it is about the larger community of learners and continually seeking new knowledge to share with the community, but the way that the wikis are monitored is different.  For example, Wikipedia, is monitored closely by many editors at varying levels and has established community practices whereas a classroom wiki could be set to private and be more intimate where you can create your own classroom procedures.  No matter what the procedures there needs to be an underlying sense of community and acceptance.  Students should not be afraid to share information and should also learn how to take criticism.  Teaching students how to respond or react to criticism is a great skill to have because they will need to defend or justify the information they are sharing which is creating deeper meaning and understanding but could also develop a new understanding or way of thinking.

Overall, I enjoyed learning more about wikis as a learning tool.  I would like to incorporate a wiki in my culinary arts class, possible creating a class recipe book.  One major question I have is how are wikis graded?  It seems it may be difficult to track who posted what.  Definitely something to look into!

P.S.  I found a great blog which is very relevant for this week.  Check it out!  The picture below is from the blog.

Knowledge Building: What is it Really?