1. wikis & collaborative learning the future of story writing and peer editing in journalism Presentation to Mount MACT University Faculty Conference May 20, 2009

2. agenda  History (or where journalism has been)  The current model of journalism  Problems  A new solution for a collaborative future  Pros & cons of wikis  Pedagogical benefits  Relationship to social capital  Implementation  Implications  Demonstration of wiki

3. history  Old Skool Journalism Old Skool Journalism  Content creation & editing in journalism has historically been a one-way street between editor & writer

4. the current model  One-to-one editing process  Journalism student produce content  Encouraged to seek peer review but feel it is redundant  Instructor has final approval  Face-to-face dialogue  Instructors spend too much time on correcting errors than facilitating learning  No community input

5. a new solution  Toward a more collaborative future:  We suggest a Wiki  What is it?  A website that allows users to make additions or edit any content within the site

6. pros & cons  Pros  Web-based – no spatial and temporal limits in collaborative writing/editing.  Open sourced technology – cost effective  Tracking capability – version history  User friendly  User access control  Cons  Security/privacy issue  Open to spam and vandalism  Contents may become disorganized if not managed properly  Must have internet access

7. learning  Pedagogical benefits  Collaboration creates knowledge  Develop students’ skill sets  Replicates workplace situations  Facilitates team building

11. implementation

12. tying in to social capital  Social capital defined as resources embedded in a social network that can be mobilized for purposive action (Lin, 1999)  Social constructivist framework:  Knowledge is socially constructed  Wiki creates a network of peers for journalism students:  Networks are resources; creates social capital  Social capital builds intellectual capital, knowledge capacity & facilitates future success

13. implications  Evolving Conversations  CBC News CBC News

14.  Conversations, crowds and control  Wikinews  LA Times  Experiment in the Hub Implications, con’t

17. conclusion  Faculty’s role in exploring collaborative learning techniques  Faculty involvement in Wiki application  Reviewing & editing  Demo of our presentation wiki  Thank you!