Defining Social Software Learning Environments

I just posted my thoughts on Social Software Learning Environments in the course Wiki Definitions of Social Software. From now on I will use the acronym SSLE so that it makes life easier for my fingers when typing for this subject.

I will paste my comments below, as I quite liked what I had figured out, once I finally got there. It is not an easy concept to attempt to define and I found other's comments particularly useful in developing my thoughts and opinions. I felt Annabel raised a great question with regards to email and websites, and I attempted to cover this in my definition.

Social softwares are tools that encourage discourse - communication, interaction and some form or sense of collaboration. They may be real time or more like wiki, blog and discussion board technology where people read and respond to threads in their own time. The emphasis is on the collaboration that is required from the wider community. It is not something that one person can or should do independently, but rather the value is gained from the interaction of the group.

Even with the blog - a journal like space, the blogger is encouraged by the knowledge that they will have a wider audience than themself, and the possible feedback or interaction this may entail. Email and websites are technologies or tools that we can all use independent of the collaboration or interaction of others and still maintain some success. They can simply divulge information without asking anything in return. Social software requires more of its users.

A learning environment is a situation in which an individual or group has the various materials or tools needed to learn. These 'tools' can be as simple as a book and a piece of paper to jot ideas on, or as complicated as the modern classroom with its various teaching and learning styles, strategies and scenarios. But is every learning environment successful?

In order to be successful a learning environment requires a sense of meaning that is being developed and explored, support for the learning needs of those participating in the environment, structure that ensures participants understand expectations and collaboration that adds value (http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/ele/Definitions/ele.htm).

A social software learning environment (SSLE) blends the above factors in an online environment. An SSLE is not any one item of social software used independently, but rather the effective combined use of various social softwares in an interactive manner. The emphasis is on the quality of discourse and interaction taking place, and as a result the quality of learning that ensues. A SSLE requires both a thoughtful individual weaving together their own learning experiences, but also the contributions and interactions of others to ensure the learning is meaningful, varied and critical.

Time4 Online Conference

I know I've already written a lot for today, but wanted to include a bit about the Time4 Online Conference. This site is fantastic - heaps of great seminars about Web 2.0, collaborative learning online, and other vital factors for modern reflective educators to consider. I recommend this site to anyone wanting to get some ideas about Web 2.0 and teaching and learning online.

Wikis and Web 2.0

I actually got really interested in Web 2.0 last year when I was trying to come up with what I was going to do for a Thesis action research paper. I have since transferred across to coursework and the subject 'Flexible Learning Environments' but have done a large literature review encompassing wiki technology, collaborative learning and online learning environments, which are also part of the Web 2.0 phenomenon.

I am having trouble accessing all the Inspiration documents I created when reviewing the documents as I have recently made the move to a MacBook, but will endeavour to recall some good articles that got me off to a good start. Inspiration is a great brainstorming programme that I use to review and plan. Its great to use with kids too - they love organising their ideas this way.

• Wiki as a Teaching Tool - This is a great article from the Interdisciplinary Journal of Knowledge and Learning Objects and is written by Kevin Parker of Idaho State University and Joseph Chao of Bowling Green State University. The article examines the literature on wikis in education, listing various uses for the technology and things that need to be considered in using the technology in these ways. It also includes a useful discussion of approached to learning with wikis, including cooperative / collaborative learning, and the constructivist view.
• Using Wikis in Schools: A Case Study - Another useful resource, this article from FutureLab in the UK attempts to define what wikis are, and reviews the literature and research in the field. It looks into the connection between wikis and communities of practice and knowledge-building networks, and goes on to outline a case study of wiki use in collaborative writing. It is helpful in identifying issues to consider when creating wiki learning resources for learners of all ages.
• Is There Space for the Teacher in a Wiki? - This is an area of obvious area of interest for all teachers considering creating wiki learning spaces. When I did my class wiki last year - this article was invaluable in getting me thinking in the right direction before I started. It examines the balance between activity design and goal development, as well as how wiki design can support collective cognition and how the teacher teaches in this new knowledge collective.
• Wiki as a Tool for Web-based Collaborative Story Telling in Primary School: A Case Study - Published in 2005 for the World Conference of Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications, this article Desilets and Paquet outlines a detailed case study of wiki use in collaborative story telling. This article was particularly useful to the planning and organisation of my wiki and encouraged me to think about the way I structured my learning teams, the role individuals would have in these teams, and the role of myself as both an instructor and co-collaborator.

Well these are a few of the more helpful articles I have read. I have just contacted the Inspiration company regarding transferring PC documents to a MacBook, and then I will hopefully be able to add more for everyone to use. I will also try to add any Inspiration documents I create from now on for the articles we are reading in class. Hope this is all somewhat useful.

Introductory Blog

Hi all who are reading this.  This is my contributing blog for the subject - Flexible Learning Environments.  Not my first blog - but looking forward to adding to this in the future.  

I am working in New Zealand, was born in QLD and trained to teach in Melbourne.  Currently I am a syndicate leader at a large normal school in Wellington.  Normal schools support trainee teachers by having heaps of them and being closely affiliated with the Universities training teachers.  I teach year 3 / 4 which is 7 and 8 year olds.  Previously I taught at an Intermediate school, which is year 7 / 8 - eleven and twelve year olds.

During term four of last year I ran a class wiki using wikispaces.com. We investigated the role of images in 'Events that have changed the world'.  This was a great learning experience for myself and my class, and a huge part of my teaching development in 2007.  This year I am getting back to my Masters study and plan to finish at the end of 2009.  

I will keep posting and chatting with you all.  Hope to hear from people soon.