Open Education

Building resources for the open community MSL4206

Vanessa Camilleri

Outline

• Brief Discussions – where are we so far? • Wikis in Education• Time on Task – Creating a Wiki?• Sharing – how to build a community of resources• Time on Task – Starting out a Wiki• Conclusion

A brief discussion

• Take time to reflect – what has this unit been doing for you?

• Post your reflections on your blog – share on Twitter #msl4206

• TIME ON TASK – 20mins• Take time to visit each other’s blogs and post your

thoughts on the blog or twitter• TIME ON TASK – 10 mins

Wikis in Education

What is a Wiki?

• WIKI – derived from the Hawaiian term ‘wiki-wiki’ meaning quick;• A website which encourages users to add

and edit content;• Wikis are online writing spaces;• What is the difference between a blog

and a wiki ?

What are the characteristics?

• A Wiki promotes meaningful topic associations between different pages using hyperlinks;• A Wiki is founded on Web2.0 concepts of

creation and collaboration as participants are actively involved in the online content creation;

Features?

• Easy to use;• Free;• Keeps track of revision history and who

makes the changes;• Can be set to public or private;• Is constantly under construction;• Collaboration is key

The Wiki features

How to use the Wiki?

• Choose a Wiki service;• Sign up;• Create the Wiki by following the step-by-

step instructions;• Use best practice.

Which Wiki Service?

• Wikispaces• Pbworks

How to?

Best Practice?

• Set the class culture;• Set up the Wiki rules – make these

explicit;• Assign meaningful authentic experiences;• Provide instructions and allow time for

practice;

Wikis in the Classroom

• Using Wikis in the Classroom; • Tips for Teaching Wikis to Students;

Example uses

1. Create a collaborative dictionary (for languages);

2. Classroom website;

3. Learning journals;

4. Digital class book;• Digital glossary of terms used;• Notes on topics discussed;• Students peer edit information posted.

Example uses

1. E-portfolios of classwork;

2. Debate topics;

3. Collaborative projects;

Wikis in Education

Wikis in Education

• Create;• Collaborate• Communicate;• Manage information

Wiki Examples

Issues & Concerns

• “Open” editing – allows anyone to edit, alter or delete information;• Inappropriate content / vandalism might be

a problem;• Safety concerns re students’ privacy issues;• Accuracy of information

Solutions

• Decide the security levels for your Wiki;• Personal information such as full names

and addresses should not be published;• Wikis should be monitored or moderated

for accuracy or inappropriate content (assign responsibility);• Information that was modified or deleted

can be restored

Introducing Wikis to students

• Parents/students sign an AUP;• Materials should be supplied to parents

explaining what a Wiki is and how it will be used;• Get parental permission;• Conduct at least one lesson on digital

citizenship;• Outline netiquette guidelines

Time on Task

• Choose a Wiki service;• Create a Wiki;• Decide on a topic/subject for the Wiki;• Assign a meaningful authentic activity and

share it on #msl4206

Time on Task

• Take time to go through various online resources;• Share links and sites over Twitter;• Visit each other’s Wikis;• View Subject/Topic and give advice to

peers using MOODLE VLE Discussion forum;

Thank you Email: vanessa.camilleri@um.edu.mt

Openness: the real act of working together

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