Page 224 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Unit 14: Collaborating via Blogs and Wikis

Notes
Writing Wikis
If you've just begun to dip your toes into the digital waters, work with your peers to create
a collaborative writing wiki. Wikis are editable Websites and, like blogs, they require
little technical skill to master. Wiki toolbars look just like those in common word-
processing programs; when you're finished saving contributions to a wiki page, your
work is automatically posted online.

The difference between a wiki and a blog is that wikis are designed for collaboration
among groups of users. Anyone with the shared wiki password can edit the content on a
wiki at any time. Wikis also provide discussion boards for every page, enabling users to
engage in ongoing conversations about their developing project. Some teams of teachers-
such as the teachers creating Digitally Speaking (http://digitallyspeaking.pbwiki.com)-
use wikis to reflect on the characteristics of effective instruction. Others use them to create
warehouses of materials among teachers working in the same content area (http://
cesa5mathscience.wikispaces.com) or as a source for teachers and teams creating entire
classroom textbooks (http://anatowiki.wetpaint.com/?t=anon).
Consider finding a few peers to write about teaching and learning together. Divide your
topic of interest into subtitles or sections. Teachers could be responsible for creating
content for their area of expertise; they could generate key ideas, add links to external
resources, upload appropriate documents, or embed interesting videos. Then allow users
who are fluent with language to polish your final text. Find members who are sticklers for
spelling and grammar and turn them loose.

On a wiki, the writing process is far less intimidating than on a blog because you're not
responsible for an entire selection all by yourself. Instead, you'll reflect with colleagues-
which in and of itself is a powerful form of professional growth.
Several wiki services are available:
PB Wiki (http://pbwiki.com): This is quickly becoming one of the most popular
wiki services for educators because it's just plain easy to use. For an example of PB
Wiki in action, check out Stay Current at http://staycurrent.pbwiki.com.

Wikispaces (www.wikispaces.com): This is one of the first wiki services that educators
embraced. As a result, there are literally thousands of Wikispaces that you can look
to for samples of what's possible. For an example of Wikispaces, check out Digiteen
at http://digiteen.wikispaces.com.
Wet Paint (www.wetpaint.com): This is one of the newest wiki services available to
educators, but it's also one of the most intriguing. With an emphasis on tools for
collaboration and professional templates, Wet Paint wikis will make you look good.
For an example of Wet Paint in action, check out the Anatowiki at http://
anatowiki.wetpaint.com.
Elevating Voice, Improving Practice

Although I enjoy the opportunities for reflection and articulation that digital tools have
made possible, I see even greater potential in using blogs and wikis to gain influence as a
teacher leader. Early on, I realized that I had valuable experiences to share with everyone
from parents to policy-makers. Now, in just over two years, my blog has attracted nearly
350 regular readers. No longer do teachers have to sit unsatisfied, wishing that we had
more influence over our profession. Blogging has made it possible for all of us to be
publishers and to elevate our voices to improve classroom practice.

Contd....

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 219