Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: Where are We Now? Web 2.0 or 3.0? (Particular Emphasis on Wikis)

Name: Dr. Carrie Thornthwaite

Audience Level: beginning to immediate

Audience: faculty, k12 teachers, general

Length: 1 hour

Abstract:
The umbrella of Web 2.0 includes an increasing number of e-learning tools with social networking capabilities as well as abilities to engage students in quality collaborative projects. Some have already touted the emergence of Web 3.0. After an overview of major components of the modern web, this presentation will focus on wikis, including definitions, a historical perspective, examples, and research. Finally, a wiki will be created for continued use by those attending the session.

Description:
The term Web 2.0 began it's rise to popularity in 2004. Although there persists some argument about the most accurate definition for Web 2.0, most agree that blogs, wikis, and other social networking technologies should be included under the Web 2.0 umbrella. Today, some contend that Web 3.0 has arrived, while others counter that Web 2.0 arena is still emerging and there remains insufficient evidence to support an emergence of another version of the web.

For use in the university classroom, I have come to value wikis, even above other social networking technologies. The term "wikis"; is short for the Hawaiian "wiki-wiki";, which means quick. Indeed wikis were first developed in 1995, as a "quick"; way to post information online. Originally, wikis were created with a streamline version of the hypertext markup language. Over the last years, however, wikis have switched to the WYSIWYG format, making is much easier for anyone to add web content. Wikipedia remains the best-known wiki.

The distinctive feature of all wikis remains its ability to allow large groups of users to post information, as well as edit information posted by others. This format encourages both the communication and collaboration of ideas. Critics of wikis believe that this ease of loading material can lead to errors and distortions or worse. However, the creator of a wiki retains full control over both the admission to the user groups and also all posted content. Immediately after a user posts changes to a wiki, the creator receives an e-mail that specifies those exact changes. After viewing the recent postings, the wiki creator can then decide to retain, delete, or adjust the edits. Furthermore, most wikis retain histories of previous pages, so even if a user vandalizes the site by deleting valuable pages, the creator can easily return the site to its original appearance.

Educators are quickly learning the value afforded by this online format. Indeed, Wikis in the Classroom website states, "Wikis encourage group social interaction and collaboration and support asynchronous communication allowing users to contribute at a time, and from a place that suits them. Many students find that their learning is most effective when they are actively involved in the construction of their knowledge.";

During this session, attendees will be provided with a list of wikis that apply to both the K12 and university-level environment. During the session, a wiki will be created and those who wish to participate will be added to the wikis' user group. The floor will then be open to a discussion concerning the content of this new wiki. After the conference, the wiki will remain open for editing by any of the new users.

My students have responded well to our class wiki, which serves as a resource for all major topics studied in the class, as well as a discussion board and a platform that allows students to learn from each other. Wikis have definitely earned their right as a strong player in the web 2.0 world.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Dr. Carrie Thornthwaite
Director of Educational Technologies
carrie.thornthwaite@lipscomb.edu
Lipscomb University
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 966-5829
fax: (615) 966-7628

Equipment: Projection capabilities and Internet access

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