Wikis and Blogs X-rays

This concept map encapsulates the Dimensions of Learning Framework by Marzano et al., 1997 by organizing the 5 dimensions headings. It is a useful concept map to refer to when you consider the overview of the learning process.


I have also created my own concept map of Dimension 3 and 4 for easy reference in my planning when I need to challenge the students to extend and refine knowledge and use knowledge meaningfully.








Dimension 4 which runs along with the framework from productive pedagogies- higher-order thinking which requires students analyse, explain, hypothesise the knowledge to arrive at a conclusion or interpretation- transformation of knowledge.

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Blogging and X-Rays

What is the difference between a wiki and a blog? When do we use a wiki or a blog? First we have to understand the difference functions of a wiki and a blog. This link will bring you to a short and very comprehensive video that will illustrate the use of a wiki. http://www.ibritt.com/resources/wp_blogs.htm#wiki_videolink

Blog

A blog is an abbreviation for a web log and thus the term blog is coined. A log as defined by a Web Dictionary as a written record of messages sent or received or a written record of events on a voyage (usually on a ship or plane). As such, a blog is individually owned, dependent on timeline and is updated whenever the author desires. Blog posts are usually one person's opinions, followed optionally by comments.

As such, blogs are effective when used as a reflective tool or for the pursuit of an individual project. With reflection and input from others in a blog, a person can construct his/her from the present level to a higher level. In this way, his/her learning is scaffolded to a new level and thus this falls in line with learning theory of constructivism. Piaget theory's of accommodation and assimiliation supports this learning theory with present knowledge being accommodated to assimiliate new knowledge.

Wikis

A wiki allows multiple users to create, modify and organize webpage content in a collaborative manner. It has mutiple authors and are usually edited by a group or team and contains links to other wiki pages. It is continuously changing anf growing rapidly. A wiki can host a blog but no vice versa.

Wikis with its open-ended nature where members can modify, create and add on content is an effective tool for social constructivism. Vygotsky's theory of social learning advocates that learning does not take place in a vacuum but is always embedded in a social and cultural context. Another term to describe this learning theory is connectivism where the connectiveness of the community allows for effective learning. An example of this can be wikis where a mentor, usually a person who is well versed in that subject, say for example an artist in an Art wiki who can post comments and bring the learning to a new level.



Options for instructors using blogs and wikis include:


1. Content-related blog as professional practice

2. Networking and personal knowledge sharing

3. Instructional tips for students

4. Course annoucements and readings

5. Annotated links

6. Knowledge management

Options for students using blogs and wikis include:

1. Reflective or writting journals

2. Knowledge management

3. Assignment submission and review

4. Dialogue for groupwork

5. E-Portfolios




How would I use wikis in my classroom?


1. Group work: Students can use wikis to collaboratively engage in a project, for example- History lesson- The Vietnam War.

2. Reflective/writing journals: Students can produce an essay/story or a journal of a learning experience, for example, English- rewriting a play.

3. E-Portfolios: Visual Art Diary

4. Discussion with students and teachers: A Maths wiki for students to work out Maths formulas