Download - Lost in (wiki) space!
adventures with students on the world wide web
Lost in (wiki)space!
Jane ChallinorSchool of Social [email protected]
aims
• briefly describe the project• why online?• discuss pros and cons of different online
platforms• categorise activities on the module wiki
according to Salmon’s 5 stage model of e-moderation
• present examples of students’ final projects
the project
• form groups• select films or TV characters• analyse using leadership theories• create a digital presentation via an
online platform• reflect on the group process
why online?
why not!
the module wiki
Why a wiki…..? Consideration of other platforms>>
Format Uses Advantages Disadvantages
VLE Content host; discussion boards
Familiar; robust; supported by institution; safe & private
No interaction other than discussion board posts; limited access
Google sites Web page; group work; learner portfolio
Can set up template for students to use; attractive; easy to use
No discussion board but has “blog” module. Could add own comments page?
Wiki spaces Web page; group work
Very versatile; separate team pages for small group work; discussion board for each page. great aesthetics; free upgrade for HE users
Not totally intuitive. Some issues with “joining”, uploading files, navigation
Facebook Discussions; group work
Well known; most students are members; pre-set template for layout; can be made more attractive with photos etc.
Some students hostile. Privacy? Limited flexibility.
Blog Web page; group work; portfolio; discussion forum
Flexible, easy to comment (even without sign in), search by tag; lots of widgets
Linear entries – chronological (although this can be changed to magazine format)
Salmon’s 5 stage model
Originally developed to describe moderator functions in on line communities
Used here (additionally) to differentiate student activities on the wiki
Not necessarily linear or chronological process
http://www.atimod.com/e-moderating/5stage.shtml
stage 1: access
Give instructions and tips
Support learners
Encourage practice
Provide structure
access
Facilitator Function
• Set up wiki & project pages http://leadersincare.wikispaces.com/How+to+use+the+wiki
• Provide audio visual tutorials http://screencast.com/t/HbInO9qXuOg
• ICT suite session• Pre-loaded pages• Discussion board topics
Student Activity
• Using wiki to select teams • Enrol members in project
pages• Division of labour
stage 2: socialisation
introductions
reinforce systematic ways of working encourage practice!
socialisation
Facilitator Function
• Initial ice breaker discussion
• Sandbox page??• Reminder about copyright• Restoring deleted work!!• Notification about
meetings• Make sure links are
functioning and material available
Student Activity• Chat and comments• Humour• Meeting times• Comments &
compliments• Apologies & thanks• Encouragement• Help with uploads
stage 3 information sharing
acknowledge different learning styles
encourage enjoyment
work constantly to summarise information being exchanged and clarify
its relevance to the overall learning programme (weaving)
information sharing
Facilitator Function
• Responding to questions• Clarifying the task• Posting links to resources• Providing lecture material
http://leadersincare.wikispaces.com/Teams%2C+Belbin+%26+Motivation
Student Activity
• Deciding on the project• Sharing ideas• Finding pages and links• Feedback• Notes of meetings• Clarifying tasks and roles
stage 4: knowledge
construction
encourage interaction
make links with overall learning
allow students to generate knowledge without interference from the tutor
knowledge construction
Facilitator Function
• Modelling use of video/application of theory
• Facilitating group discussions
Student Activity
• Posting research & links• Posting video clips• Posting own original work• Responses to tasks,
questions, discussion board posts
• “Off-wiki” activity!
stage 5 development
“The original development of the 5 stage model demonstrated that, as learners gradually increased in confidence, there was generally less intervention by moderators and yet, apparently, more learning occurring from the students groups” Gilly Salmon
development
Facilitator Function
• Be available for questions and tutorials
• Set up peer assessment process (using online poll)
• Evaluate – module feedback
Student Activity
• Final design and content discussions
• Finish and post link/document
• Evaluate – (peer assessment, module evaluation and individual reflective assignment)
A
B
evaluation
Blogging for reflection … as tutor
thevirtualleader.blogspot.com
Students’ reflections…..
1)from their reflective assignments………and
2)from the Survey Monkey evaluation
“we do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience’ (John Dewey 1933)
Members worked independently on their task; they were able to [assert] their individuality and competencies of each member became apparent. The use of technology such as email, telephone, skype and social networking sites were used to communicate ideas and tasks to other members of the group. […] One member was situated in Australia for the majority of the group work; I took the role of communicating with her, keeping her informed of the task and enabling her to participate .
Brooks (2006) argues that technology influences the pattern of a group’s operations and behaviour. The use of technology was very significant in completing the presentation. As the aim was to show how a team could work together virtually, as well as physically, it sometimes proved to be a hindrance. Some individuals were unable to access the presentation website, so time was lost explaining how to utilise it. Nevertheless, I viewed technology as an advantage as I was able to work independently whilst still allowing the others the option of accessing the work at all times .
Using the Facebook forum allowed for us to undertake virtual group work. This was the first time I had undertaken any group work in this way and this by far proved the best part of the task for me.Gibson and Cohen (2003) identify three enabling conditions for virtual teams to work well:• Shared Understanding• Integration• Mutual trust
I feel that once people had settled into their natural roles within the team and we were working in a cohesive manner we were able to work as a virtual team effectively. Working in a virtual team can lead to motivational issues as you do not have the face to face contact with others that you may need to motivate yourself.
The decision of a remote blog media platform for the task was essential as it allowed individuals to work flexibly. Knowledge in individual IT skills did impact on some members achieving agreed outcomes/tasks by set dates. I enjoyed learning to administrate a Blog, and can see the potential for rapid information sharing and feedback.
Charting the progress on my own blog was cathartic due to challenges and frustration of group interaction.
The use of email and wiki were the main means I used to communicate with group members in order to give my input to the presentation.
Riggio and Orr (2004) inform [us]that virtual teams will become increasingly important in all types of non-profit organisations as these organisations strive for ways to reduce service delivery cost while simultaneously enhancing flexibility and response time. On reflection, I understand the need for me to develop my understanding of virtual teams as McGregor (2011) reports that video conferencing will be used to greater effect in the coming years for Social workers for example to attend child protection conferences .
When working in social care it is important to concentrate on the bigger picture and work collaboratively with others.
[Loughran (2002) believes reflection should] “offer ways of questioning taken-for-granted assumptions and encouraging one to see his or her practice through others’ eyes.”
[….]this task has demonstrated having an understanding of people and the role they play is vital for a successful group effort.
I have learnt from this task that even when you believe it may not work, being positive, and an active listener allows for opportunities and success; particularly when working as a group
The most challenging thing about the module
One thing I would change
The best thing about the module