Page 213 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Cloud Computing

Notes student interaction. Wikis provide users with freedom of authoring and in-situ editing.
In comparison with collaboration tools such as blogs and VLE (Virtual Learning Environment)
forums, wikis allow the development of content specific websites while other tools tend to be
chronologically structured contributions.
In this unit, we will discuss how blogs and wikis are evaluated for collaboration.

14.1 Distinction between Blogs and Wikis

Before addressing how to evaluate content on blogs and wikis, let’s consider how to tell them
apart. At times, it can be difficult to determine if you are viewing a blog or a wiki. To determine
which is which, consider the following:
Blog content is organized around “news” postings about which readers can comment.
Wiki content is organized around topic-based Web pages that are usually edited by groups.
A blog usually features date-based postings on its main page, organized in reverse
chronological order. A wiki looks like a typical website, and usually includes a link for
logging in to the site for editors who wish to or are authorized to contribute.
A blog usually allows readers to comment on its individual postings. Wikis offer comments
or “talk” pages for discussion of the content on individual wiki pages.

Blogs often focus on personal insight, anecdote, or opinion. Wiki content is usually less
personal.

A blog is typically maintained by a single individual, while wikis tend to have numerous
contributors. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule.
Blog postings are written by the administrator(s) of the blog, and not by the general
public. Wikis can be edited by anyone, or by the invitation/authorization of the wiki
administrator(s).

Visible “edit” links are often available to anyone visiting the wiki. Blogs do not allow for
public editing.
The history of wiki page edits can be viewed by visitors. Blogs do not have this feature.

It is generally easier to identify the name of the individual maintaining a blog. On wikis,
the identity of authors/editors may be more difficult to determine as nicknames may be
used.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. Blog content is organized around ………………….. postings about which readers can
comment.

2. A ……………………. looks like a typical website.
3. ……………………….. often focus on personal insight, anecdote, or opinion.
4. Wiki content is usually less ……………………….
5. Visible ……………………. links are often available to anyone visiting the wiki.

6. The …………………………. of wiki page edits can be viewed by visitors.

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