WIKI ‘What I Know Is’ Wikis are an online document format of group collaboration allowing the group to be dispersed on different continents if necessary, yet still be working on the same document together.

‘A blog (short for weblog) is a website usually managed by one person (but not always) that journals a person’s thoughts and ideas about a particular subject. Many blogs are personal diaries detailing someone's experiences’ (Cass, 2004)(Cass, 2004) A Weblog typically authored by an individual, does not allow visitors to change the original posted material, only add comments to the original content……..in contrast to a WIKI. Cass, J., 2004, PR Communications: Blog, Weblog Definition.PR Communications: Blog, Weblog Definition last accessed 22 Mar 2009.

 k&feature=player_embedded k&feature=player_embedded In general, an ePortfolio is a purposeful collection of information and digital artifacts that demonstrates development or evidences learning outcomes, skills or competencies. The process of producing an ePortfolio (writing, typing, recording etc.) usually requires the synthesis of ideas, reflection on achievements, self-awareness and forward planning; with the potential for educational, developmental or other benefits. It is a terrific electronic resource. Newcastle University, UK.

System Requirements for Technology Use  Computer + Internet Connection + Web browser for Wikis, Weblogs and ePortfolios

System Restrictions  Internet speed and connection  Software requirements?  Firewalls blocking content e.g. Teacher is sent to China for work/recreation and must collaborate with students working on WIKI back home in America, WIKI topic is “human rights in Tibet”……..teacher cannot view WIKI content due to local firewall router in place in China. Thus cannot moderate assignment. “The Great Firewall of China” (Chelliah, J. 2008, International Management, Pearson Education, p.383)

Examples and Context of Use  Wikis may be used as a classroom tool for all ages, Examples+of+educational+wikis Examples+of+educational+wikis  ePortfolios as a developmental, empowerment tool, assessment tool, feedback tool  Weblogs as a reflective tool, assessment tool and knowledge-sharing tool

Context ANYTIME! ANYWHERE!

 Accessible with minimum IT infrastructure required Communication  Enables sharing of information, ideas, thoughts  Non-confrontational environment to allow individual thought and discussion  Portable  Able to receive feedback and comments regularly

 Data Integrity Communication  Rely on good writing skills/text based information  Miss non- verbal cues  Time consuming  Sloppy writing habits  Messy/unstructured content  Confidentiality issues

Collaboration  Allows time efficient collaboration  Efficient, easy access tool to enable collaboration to a group of individuals  Accessible with minimum IT infrastructure required  User Friendly and easy to use  Knowledge sharing platform  Group projects are easier to coordinate  Teachers/facilitators are able to easily check progress and provide feedback

Collaboration  Uptake of technology may be inconsistent  Cultural differences  Technological issues & excluding those with limited access to technology  Unmonitored open environment builds distrust and reliability of content  Confirming identity of contributors  Can only be edited by single users at any given time

Convenience  A single place to store information  Cuts paper waste  User controls access to content  Able to share information such as program design notes, etc  Record and store evidence  Record and track professional development and career achievements  Easy retrieval of information  Promotes creativity  Store all forms of programs, file types and media

Convenience  Uptake of technology inconsistent  Technological issues & excluding those with limited access to technology  Not accessible to non-computer savvy students may be  No system framework to ensure portability of systems  Privacy, access and security  Ambiguity with copyright and ownership of content  Difficult to verify authenticity of information stored & qualification verification  Assessment – assess for learning vs application of technology