Veronica Wilbur PhD APRN College of Health Professions Chair Nurse Practitioner Program
After participation in this session learners will be able to: ◦ 1) Prepare a wiki discussion within the Bb environment ◦ 2) Identify at least one class that this Wiki/Group activity can be implemented ◦ 3) Describe at least two benefits to using the Wiki over the Discussion Board.
Let’s review the basics What is a ‘wiki’? ◦ Website that promotes sharing and creating ideas ◦ Promotes meaningful interaction between topics What is a ‘discussion board’? ◦ Asynchronous communication used by individuals ◦ Similar to face-to-face in class discussions
WikiDiscussion Board Allows all users to make changes or add pages as needed Allows posting of a variety of media Overall easy to use – with good directions Students from anywhere can participate in group work without travel Provides extended time for discussion in an online medium Allows individuals to participate whom might not in class Creation of virtual communities
WikiDiscussion Board Open wiki’s anyone can edit Lack of faculty guidance can make the wiki disorganized Can be confusing to a student intimidated by technology Discussions can go ‘off course’ Participants find the posts redundant and difficult to respond Good discussion boards need good monitors
Benefits ◦ Not open source ◦ Readily available in any class (online or face-to- face) Suggested Activities ◦ Group Presentations ◦ Development of virtual communities ◦ Charts to fill in ◦ Sign-up
Starting the wiki in Bb ◦ Smartipantz – Interactive tools – Create a Wiki Types of assignments/activities to use with Wiki’s Directions for students ◦ Key component to promote group work
Wiki Boards in Bb ◦ Limited number of characters in the instruction section ◦ Pages will not course copy ◦ Student uncertainties with technology
Wikis can genuinely allow ‘engaged’ student learning Student discussions can be: ◦ Conducted in a format that is not ‘click’ oriented ◦ Encourage more engagement Faculty can see the full discussion at a glance
Wiki’s add a dimension to student engagement not found in the discussion boards Is readily available within the Bb system Clear guidance using the wiki provides a rich experience for students
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