For a definition of a wiki, click here.
In this exercise we were to utilise a thinking routine called de Bono's Six Thinking Hats. Each different hat represents a different perspective and when used correctly, can be powerful. The Wiki activity was created so everyone can contribute their perspectives on the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Being honest, I found this activity a little overwhelming. People were using unreadable colours to specify their entry, the outline and set up of a wiki was unrecognisable to me and it seemed too much. Yes, I agree it can be a helpful tool in creating opinions and making decisions but this activity was just not to my liking. The editing of the Wiki also scares me, because anyone could change or delete your entry. But in a sense, It does gives everyone (in that group) a voice and a chance to present their perspectives.
Below are the six hats and what perspective they represent.
I found this Wiki activity to be reflective of all the learning theories.
Behaviourism is present in the way we think, react and input into the Wiki as part of the activity. We gathered information and learn from the students who have posted their responses before us. This leaves us room to process our thoughts on what is being asked and be able to present our own perspective on mobile phones in class.
Cognitivism is obviously the though process we take before we post our opinions (what is required of us as a student to be involved in the activity). Also when we read other people's posts and gather their input to create our own.
We see Social Constructivism in the fact that we are gathering support for our own perceptions and beliefs from others who have posted. Also from our experiences we may have faced with phones in the classroom.
Last, but not least, Connectivism. Connectivism had a large role in this activity, symbolised by our online usage and content input. We could research what schools are doing today in regards to mobile phones and gather more information to support our inputs. We then contributed our perspectives on the Wiki (online).
The scaffolding of the learning environment I must say was well planned. We were able to support and respect the contributions of others (despite the editing problem). It allowed us make our thoughts and different perspectives visible so we can see how other students may have differ on the issue. And it gives us a record of what we have contributed so later we could justify and elaborate as our knowledge grows.
I found this activity to be very different and with a little more practice and use, I may come to enjoy working on a Wiki and be more fond of it's educational purposes. It can be a very useful educational tool.
Excellent post of your reflections.
ReplyDeleteHow could you use a wiki space as a music or business teacher?
well for music, you could use a wiki for online homework activities or group collaborations on a subject. For example, if the students were studying the topic of classical music, I might put a classical composer up on the Wiki and the students have to find what pieces of music they have composed and post them into the table (just the name of the song). then when the students come back to class, we can (as a group), discuss and analyse the compositions.
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