For Class Discussion (to prepare in advance):
- Wikis in Plain English by Lee and Sachi Lefever (under 4 minutes)
- The Power of Wikis in Higher Ed by Linda L. Briggs
Popular Tools - Course Google Site at https://sites.google.com/site/idt351class/
- Google Drive (used to be Google Doc) - Check out Tom Barrett’s Interesting Ways Series using Google Docs.
- Google Sites
- Wikispaces
- PBWorks
- And more tools (some can be downloaded and installed onto a server)
Further Resources
- See Who’s Editing Wikipedia by John Borland
- Wikipedia and the New Curriculum by David Parry
- Wikibooks (increase in textbook cost is crazy, and you can see people try to write books on various subjects together)
- Google Drive - Short video link to Google Drive features
- Google Sites - Video tutorial detailing how to use Google Sites
- PBWorks - Video tutorial demonstrating some of PBworks functions
You can comment on any of the following:
- Any difference, strengths or weaknesses compared to blogging tool(s)?
- What are unique or major strengths about wiki tool?
- Important things to consider in adoption or implementation (e.g., user management)
32 comments:
In my past experience with working PB Works, was in my sophomore year, where I put into a group for big project. The project was to create a instructional module for icarians. Doing the process of bring the information together, we used pbworks. We used the PBWorks for setting up our schedule on what we were working on, putting all the information together, and also using the PB works for project management. PBWorks is a good way of putting information together, setting schedules, and commenting on the others input towards the project. Instead of the student or worker, trying to find time to meet up is a very pain; but through PBWorks you can input your information on there and your group/work members can also input their information and comment on each other work or just to make suggestion towards the project.
Google Docs has to be considered one of the most well rounded wikis out on the web currently. Similar to PB Works, but in my opinion has more options. With Google Docs you are able to share and edit word documents and excel spreadsheets. The best part about this is the fact that you can edit and make corrections on the documents from your own computer and on your own time frame. So, you do not need to put up with the hassle of meeting up with a group. Another cool feature that I really enjoy about Google Docs is the feature that allows you to create an electronic survey. You can customize it in any way that you like and can be useful for numerous purposes. One example of this being a useful tool is when I was in IDT 200 and we were making a website for our project and we were able to embed the survey at the end of the project. The survey is set up so when the user answers, the information is gathered and organized into a spreadsheet. Although these are the primary things that I know how to do using Google Docs, I am sure there are many other cool features that I have yet to discover.
google docs in my own expeirece is not something that im used to using. i used google docs back only back in IDT200, and it was a useful tool that we used alot in the class. When i used it, we used it basically to write and edit documents which it was mainly used for. i did not use it for anything else yet. but in the near future i am looking forward to using it alot for various purposes. i aldo read that it can be used to edit documents, excel spreedsheets and so fourth. i am looking forward to experiencing all these features in the near future.
Google Docs is the only wiki that I have used, and I am sure that each of them has its different strengths and weaknesses. I used it for one class being IDT 200. I typically use it to type documents for classes because then I can edit and print it out at other locations. I think Google Docs has a few strengths over the blogging tools when you are creating various documents. With Google Docs you can create power points, spreadsheets, surveys and other types of documents that you cannot create with tools such as Blogger. The wikis also help you to do group work when you have a busy schedule. It allows people to work on the documents and not have to all try and make time to meet up. Also, Google Docs has different tools that can be used to help teachers make their job easier.
When comparing a blog to a wiki, I found that there are major differences between the two. A blog is more of individual logs of writing. They can be from researching a paper, to writing about daily activities. Blogs can have "connective writing" by others commenting on the blog, but individuals cannot add directly to the blog. Wiki's are geared towards groups of people who can collaborate with others in writing projects. For learning, some classrooms may use a wiki for a communication log for a group project. Other classes may use it for a group research project. Both tools are effective however; the major differences depend on how an instructor assigns a project or assignment and how the instructor wants the contribution of the class to respond to a project.
I prefer the use of collaborative writing editing program other then wiki. The wiki is good for collaboration and getting stuff straight with people. Things like google docs are great for collaborating on projects. Blogs still to me seem like online journals. They seem to work better for one then for many in my opinion. I like how similar google docs is to the standard word programs most people usually use. That is a nice benefit. Being able to make a collaborative powerpoint is very useful when people can not meet up to work on things. I have used google docs abit and ahve used PB works and I prefer google docs it is a more effective inferface.
I really like using wiki compared to other blogs like Google docs because it seems much easier and when working in groups its more reliable to edit things quickly without having to search all over the places. Especially PBworks in the past i used it for group projects and we had our whole layout on there nice and coordinated to the point it was very understandable and presentable to the professor. I haven't used google docs as much as pbworks so i go more towards the pbworks.
Interesting to hear that most experienced Google Doc and/or PBWorks. Overall, more seem to like Google Doc over wiki due to its comparative strengths in handling additional tools/tasks, such as online survey and spreadsheet/powerpoints. It is important to consider how learners access each tool because many organizations block Google for various reasons, and people who never used or don't like the idea of learning additional parts, such as survey or spreadsheet.
As a couple of people pointed out, effectiveness totally relies on what the instructor, and what students do - which are design and management issues than technicalities.
Google Docs in my opinion is superior to PB Works, but that's mostly due to my familiarity with Google's product. We used both of them in my IDT200 course several semesters ago, but even then I preferred Google Docs because of the easy integration of Google's other tools. Over the past semesters I have continued to use Google Docs in many if not most of my classes while I have yet to use PB Works again. I don’t think PB Works is any less of a quality wiki but I think people just naturally gravitate towards whatever meets their needs while being simple, effective, and efficient for their workspace.
A Wiki site gives the ability for multiple users to modify a page instantly. This is very useful especially for students or any job requiring collaborative work. Which makes it its biggest strength, it is also beneficial to see who in a group has or has not made changes to aspect requiring the project/wiki. The best thing about this feature is that your partner(s) doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same place you are at. They can edit and add information from another part of the world instantaneously as long as they have access to internet and the wiki. Wikipedia may be the most successful wiki site to date because it is easy to post information on their, while a few years back not all information were correct but as of today they have enough mods to know when something is wrong. When it comes to weakness it doesn’t seem as customizable as blogging though. While blogging can be used for personal or work reasons, wiki sites seemed design for solely for work reasons. Which is not necessarily bad but it does not have that reuse factor that blogging has I think wiki is a must for office or any collaborative jobs as stated before, if they ever make it more customizable it can last a while. Google Docs seems to have some flair to its design. . I can see myself definitely using a wiki site in the near future; in fact I already did for Ms. Deng class.
I mostly use Google Docs for all my work, especially if I am working with group. So it is much easier to communicate, share, and edit the work. Google docs allows students to collaborate online either synchronously or asynchronously and to discuss problems, share ideas, reflect and review, making it an excellent tool for collaboration across continents.
I have never actually used any of these tools. However, I think they serve as an important resource. Today, working on projects with multiple people is getting easier and easier. Although I have never needed to collaborate on any assignment as a job or in the classroom environment, these would be great tools if I ever need to in the future. If I had to collaborate on a project, I would probably learn more toward using Google Drive. Everyone has a google account, and multiple people can edit the same document at the same time. In addition, you can use google to simultaneously chat to the other members as well.
I’ve been told all through high school not to use Wiki for anything because the information can’t always be considered correct. Now that I’m in college I hear both sides. I go to one class and they say not to use it and then in another class they tell me how reliable it is. I’ve mostly used Google docs for all of my work. I haven’t used it very often and I’m starting to get more into Wiki. I like the fact that it’s so easy for multiple people to edit a page. If you have a large group of people trying to work on a project it would be easiest for everyone to use Wiki. But on the other side everyone now has a Google account. You need one if you want to do anything internet related now a days and more people are probably more familiar with Google and are more trusting with it over Wiki.
In my past experience I have liked using PBworks, but besides that part of Wiki I don't use it because all through high school and middle school we were told not to trust wiki as a source. besides this class i haven't really ever use google docs either. I believe these two sites are the same for the most part, but I believe google doc is easier to use and understand.
Google Docs seems like its a stronger tool than blogging. I guess it would depend on the job environment you were in. Google Docs seems like it would be very strong in a office type setting where you worked a lot with other workers. collaborating on different documents like word, excel, and/or Power point would be a lot easier. And the best part is everyone can access it and one easy to reach location. I'm sure both could be used in conjunction with some pretty good results as well.
Collectively, benefits and potentials are captured very well (Omoruyi, Haley).
Yes, spread of Google is one important thing to consider (Chelsea). Many workplace actually uses Google for that reason as well as for accommodating editing popular file formats (Jonathan). In class, we will talk more about this, and also, ask you guys to compare Google vs. Wiki - we seem to have people who have used both, or one long enough to debate - for instance, in one day, you might be asked to charge adopting one collaboration software. Another great point worth discussing is Wikipedia's validity/reliability (Chelsea). With this said, a couple of posts may underestimate how many people still resist using a tool like these and how workplace struggles still with training, or leveraging great functions these tools provide.
I haven't had any experience with PB Works and have only the most basic understanding of Blogger but I have used Google tools quite extensively. For example, I created an RSVP form through Google for my wedding over three years ago, and it worked extremely well for me since it sent the submissions to a spreadsheet that I could import into Excel. In Excel I was able to keep track of written RSVPs and electronic RSVPs together, which made it easy to keep track of the expected number of guests. This was useful when it came time to place our food order, etc.
Now, however, I prefer to use JotForm when I create forms because their form building tools allow for much more form customization and output options, while still including useful Google Docs integration. For example, I have a site set up for a committee to upload auction/raffle items for an upcoming benefit. The images go straight to my Google drive folder, along with a PDF that includes the image as well as the other form data that was completed. Additionally, the form fields are used as columns in a spreadsheet and each submission creates a new row, so that the committee can keep track of the items.
I also use Google Drive heavily, since it easy to access and backup my portfolio projects and classwork. Considering I often forget or lose my flash drives, this is really important to me! Its public folders feature has also come in very handy as a way to submit homework in odd file formats that email sometimes rejects as attachments. I have also used semi-public folders to receive and transfer large projects for my freelance work.
I am becoming more of a fan of Google sites for collaborative publishing. The only thing that is sometimes frustrating is that you can't see real-time changes if someone is editing at the same time as you. I had a slight panic attack last weekend when I thought I had accidentally saved over another classmates work; I hadn't realized he had broken my lock. Luckily, his work was still intact!
Lastly, while looking over the link for "80 Interesting Ways to Use Google Forms to Support Learning," I was impressed with the Google presentation tool used to display the contributions to the project. It drove home the point that Google really can compete with Microsoft Office products and has an even more distinct advantage with its seamless tool integrations and collaborative support. Plus, Google is more widely supported with third-party integrations such as JotForm and IFTTT, which really extends its functionality and offers workarounds for any native limitations.
Question answer section:
In the past I have used Google Drive and PbWorks for collaborative writing/editing. I prefer google drive because it allows you in nearly real time to see what is being edited and who is doing the editing.
On the section my group chose which was PB Works I changed the Applications for Teaching/Learning section, to more closely match what PB Works currently provides to its user base.
I have used PB Works in the past, but alas during the spring cleaning PB Works has implemented my site was deleted. This was the e-mail PB Works sent me.
Hello,
Since you haven't used your workspace named: Kenny IDT 200 for over a year, we are reclaiming it per our policy on idle workspaces and the warning email we sent you 30 days ago.
We will delete the contents of the workspace and allow other users to re-use its URL.
Thanks,
The PBworks Team
This is a fine use of space and I appreciate the notification.
Rant Section:
Not this time.....
I believe that there are strengths with these collaborative tools such as Google Drive and PBWorks over blogging tools in the since that you can do more with your pages then just post blogs. With Google Drive you can share with just who you want to which can be a weakness or a strength depending on the purpose of the website. With PBWorks, it can be more public then Google Drive but can be pages that you created. The weakness could be that if takes more work to create pages and design in PBWorks then a blog. I have been using Google Drive to share documents with my teacher and getting comments through Drive. I think it is a great tool to share documents that can be worked on and comments on with the people you choose to share it with. Also you can restrict if people can edit it or not. I think this is a great tool.
The biggest difference between blogging tools and wiki tools is basically said in the title of week six, and that difference would be collaboration. Blogging tools are great for posting what you want to post, but what if you want to work with other people? Sure you can post comments and such, but Google Drive allows you to work together in real time. I believe being able to work together in real time is a huge strength. Google Drive also allows one to create different types of files, such as: documents, presentations, spreadsheets, etc., and you are to back up said files so they work in Microsoft Office. It’s also an excellent tool to use when you want to share different file formats from person to person, because blogs are usually intended for public purposes. I haven’t used PBWorks since my freshmen year, but from what I saw, its strength lies it how it is organized. It has a better organization structure compared to blogging tools. I can’t make any claims for Wikispaces, but as for Google Sites, it’s a great tool for creating sites and posting information, but it is weak because you aren’t able work with others in real time. A weakness that wikis had, especially Wikipedia, was that anyone could post information, even if it wasn’t valid. However, Wikipedia has made huge strides to change that and that problem is nearly eliminated in today’s age. All in all, I believe that people tend to use wikis over blogs.
wiki tools allows users to collaborate to create, modify and organize web page content. while blog is personal Web site that contain posts,People can comment on posts as well as provide links to related sites, photos, and blogs, but they can not edit or add directly to the blog. Wiki tools is good for classroom because it enables users to collect team knowledge, plan events, or work on projects together. students can easily add new content or edit existing content.
The difference that compared to blogging tools that multiple people can write, and edit the works of others. With programs like Google Docs you can see what the other writers are writing as they write it. Google Docs has a similar design to Microsoft Word so it is not hard to use if a person has ever used Word. Google Docs has a chat feature so that all the people working on the document can talk to each other.
PB works in my opinion can do more for you than other blog tools. A lot of blogging these days seems to be more of a personal hobby and not being used enough in educational systems. In PB Works, it does a good job organizing and keeping information in place where other tools seem to be all over the place in that sense. Google Docs does have some advantages, but Im still not 100% sold on the tool. As I get more used to Google Docs, Im sure I will become more comfortable using that tool.
Wiki tools allow you to work more with others while blogging tools is more of something that you would do by yourself. Google sites is fairly easy to use and like I said is a more collaborative tool.
Compare the Google sites and the PBWorks, these two are pretty much the same, try to create a website staff and give people an environment to work together. Google Drive is a place that people can share files and do the group work. As I've used the PBWorks, I would like to say these tool is really easy to use and the website is simple and easy to manage.
I think I’ve had a better experience with Google’s collaborative tools, like Google Drive and Google Docs, than with other wikis. It has all of the benefits that most of the collaborative tools use. It’s easy to share documents with multiple users. Really, i think that the thing that makes it so popular is that Google removed one step from the user’s process. Since it updates everything users type automatically, you don’t have to click save. It also lets other users work on the same document at the same time. It requires some discipline on the part of all the users, because it can get really confusing when people add large sections at the same time.
A tool like PB works allows you to have the same collaborative elements that Google Docs uses and gives more control over posting. Of course it has fewer features, which would be a great addition.
One of the major strengths of wiki tool is that it function more as a collaborative tool for things like group projects. People can edit their work and leave out prior information that they do not want and it will not show not the latest saved information. On the group work this week we choose PBworks. I updated the background information that previous student(s) already had.
Comments show how more are used to Google Doc and Drive from IDT course work. Feature and strength comparisons between Google Doc and Wiki tools are good. I do hope and encourage people to check editing history and quality control features on wiki, and how Google Doc and Site compares, how these position against wiki tools.
I think there are several more strengths to using collaborative writing/ editing tools compared to blogging tools. Blogging tools can be effective and helpful, but once a blog is posted, not all responses come quickly and cannot necessarily be edited. With a collaborative writing tool such as google docs, not only can information be edited, but it can be edited by more than just one person. By inviting people to share a document, all can work on a document at once and make changes as necessary.
I used PBworks for IDT 200. My thoughts on it are that it has its unique uses compared to other blogging tools. I liked how it encouraged you to continue to use it, otherwise your space would be deleted. That's also a criticism of it, because if something happened and you weren't able to access it, it'd spell danger for your blog.
The mostly widely used tool for collaboration at least in the IDT department is Google Drive. I honestly can't think of a single class that I've taken besides the gaming classes, that I haven't used google drive to edit documents and collaborate with other students in the class. I'm not sure what to really say about this, except that it has become almost an everyday use tool for us to work as a group in our classes. Simply, it has helped a great deal compared to when I was at SIUE in 2007-2008 where we would all have to share a flash drive and keep switching it off between group members in order to edit a document for class. This web tool has saved a lot of time and headache for what I can assume is a large number of people.
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