Page 219 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Cloud Computing

Notes many opportunities, concerns have been expressed regarding possibilities of plagiarism and
vandalism (deliberate page defacement).
Whilst it is clear that there is widespread interest in the potential of wikis, we would argue that
there needs to be further research into students’ own views of adopting this open peer-review
style of working, and a need to explore the effectiveness of wikis in promoting a social
constructivist learning approach. Given the nature of a wiki, where student contributions are
open to all students and staff, this is a particularly important aspect, both from a pedagogical
and an affective perspective.

14.3.1 Characteristics of Wikis

Wikis generally share the following basic characteristics:
Most wikis are completely unrestricted, allowing anyone to read, correct, modify, organise
or even delete content. This system is self-regulating, with a number of contributors
readily correcting errors and modifying content. However, in a learning context wikis can
be restricted to small groups of contributors.
Wikis allow distributed teams to write and edit documents collaboratively over the internet
in a shared online workspace. Content can usually be edited from anywhere in the world
through a simple web browser interface, obviating the need for additional software or a
third party webmaster.

Content is usually created using a simplified hypertext format, making it easy for
nontechnical users to contribute. Some wiki technologies use a WYSIWYG interface with
toolbars, completely removing the need for detailed technical knowledge.
Changes to content are documented and stored each time a revision is made, allowing
users to view or revert to earlier versions of a page. This makes it possible to track changes
by multiple users over a period of time. Pages that are deliberately vandalised or deleted
can be easily rolled back to a previous version.

Pages within a wiki are usually linked with each other, allowing for organic connections
between various content areas. Ideas are expressed as relationships between pages, thus
creating a network of interrelated topics.
Wikis have a spatial rather than temporal structure because changes occur not according
to time, but according to the evolving spatial relationships between cross-linked content.

Wikis provide a space where knowledge is networked and contextualised, but remains
ephemeral: it changes and can be changed and mediated by the community.

Content is posted immediately, eliminating the need for distribution with the associated
risk of virus transmission.
Modular construction means that wikis can be simple or complex to meet user needs and
skill levels. To overcome complexity most wikis offer a classic full text or title search for
wiki pages.

14.3.2 Points for Evaluation

To evaluate the content on a wiki, look for these clues:

The sponsorship of the wiki. This may be explained on an “About” or similar page.
The wiki, whether academic or popular, suits your needs.

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