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.