Weekly
Report & Reflection Blog Post #8:
A Love - Hate Relationship with Wikis
This week’s activities were to complete a course-selected wiki activity that
helped in identifying issues of Digital Rights and Responsibilities - one of The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship (Ribble, 2011). Completing these activities allowed to
explore and use wikis
as a research tool and, assisted in identifying the essential topics that are
key conceptual understandings of Digital Rights and Responsibilities. In
essence, I have learned some of the fundamental rights and responsibilities that
a digital citizen has to embrace when living in a digital society and, how
wikis can contribute to collaborative learning in an asynchronous environment - even with my personal doubts.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DIGITAL CITIZEN: MARY LOU’S TOP THREE
As digital citizens we have the right to free speech as well as privacy; however, with these rights are essential responsibilities that all users of digital technology must adhere to. In brief, being responsible can be expressed in terms of being ethically and legally accountable for our actions - in essence it provides a safe digital environment for every internet user.
While there are many essential digital rights and responsibilities to consider, I have chosen my top three on the basis of what I found to be necessary in order to work with others in a digital context. The areas are sub-categorized under the main heading “Proposed Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for the Digital Citizen” – hmmm, perhaps a title to consider when advocating for the future needs of a digital citizen, especially if we want to provide a safe digital world.
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PresenterMedia.
(2013).
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FYI: ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW WITH
TECHNOLOGY
Besides all the readings and exploration of wikis this week, I was able to have some time to explore and learn how to add a widget to blogger (to embed my digital rights and responsibilities concept map below) as well as, how to add some of the gadgets that blogger offers in their layout option such as the search tool (located under my blog title) and translate language (down at the button of my post ). The most difficult part was adding a Twitter Feed to Blogger and the Tweet Button (even though Blogger has one I thought I would make it more visible :). I will decide, over the coming weeks, if I will keep these gadgets. In the meantime, it sure was a fun way to enhance my tech-nerdess skills.
Besides all the readings and exploration of wikis this week, I was able to have some time to explore and learn how to add a widget to blogger (to embed my digital rights and responsibilities concept map below) as well as, how to add some of the gadgets that blogger offers in their layout option such as the search tool (located under my blog title) and translate language (down at the button of my post ). The most difficult part was adding a Twitter Feed to Blogger and the Tweet Button (even though Blogger has one I thought I would make it more visible :). I will decide, over the coming weeks, if I will keep these gadgets. In the meantime, it sure was a fun way to enhance my tech-nerdess skills.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DIGITAL CITIZEN: MARY LOU’S TOP THREE
“Those
requirements and freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world”
(Ribble,
2011, p.35).
As digital citizens we have the right to free speech as well as privacy; however, with these rights are essential responsibilities that all users of digital technology must adhere to. In brief, being responsible can be expressed in terms of being ethically and legally accountable for our actions - in essence it provides a safe digital environment for every internet user.
While there are many essential digital rights and responsibilities to consider, I have chosen my top three on the basis of what I found to be necessary in order to work with others in a digital context. The areas are sub-categorized under the main heading “Proposed Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for the Digital Citizen” – hmmm, perhaps a title to consider when advocating for the future needs of a digital citizen, especially if we want to provide a safe digital world.
“PROPOSED
BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE DIGITAL CITIZEN”
Siviero, M. Mary Lou's Top Three. (CC). 2013
1. Right to Free Speech in a Safe Environment
Digital Right: Digital citizens have the right to access, and provide a safe environment wherein online materials are free of viruses and inappropriate behaviour. Within this environment citizens have the “right to free and uncensored personal communication” (Tangient LLC, 2013).
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Clark,
V. (2012, November 12).
“The Online Freedom of Speech” [Online Image]. Link
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2. Right to Privacy
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Kirk,
J. (2011, September 15).
“Android and Privacy Rights In a Digital World”
[Online Image].
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Digital Right: It was Shea’s (2011) excerpt of
her book, Netiquette, which reminded
me of the importance of the right to privacy that every digital citizen
has. Digital citizens have the right to
know that their passwords are protected and that other users will not abuse
their information in an act of ethical or criminal misconduct. It
recent months major corporations, such as Adobe,
have had a rise in ‘attackers’ illegally entering their network system. This
rise in breach of confidentiality has major concerns and implications for
users.
Digital Responsibilities: Digital citizens have the responsibility to respect and adhere to, privacy policies, rules and, regulations. Citizens will not use another user’s ID or password or access other user’s accounts in any form (ASB, 2013), without consent.
Digital Responsibilities: Digital citizens have the responsibility to respect and adhere to, privacy policies, rules and, regulations. Citizens will not use another user’s ID or password or access other user’s accounts in any form (ASB, 2013), without consent.
3. Right to Ownership
Digital Right: With the introduction of Creative Commons and existing copyright laws, it is well known that digital users must not copy or modify works of other users without proper credit of the owner(s). However, for some reason some people still believe copyright laws do not apply to the Internet. If it is found in cyberspace than it is free for all to reproduce, share and take credit – THIS IS A MYTH! Any information on the Internet such as pictures, music, videos and written material, has ownership. Somebody ‘out there’ took the time to make the information available. Digital suppliers of the Internet have exclusive rights to their creative work and to control the copying/sharing of that creation – even without copyright notations (Templeton, 2008).
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Perlow,
J. (2009*, April 2).
“All your Memories Belong to Us” [Online Image]. Link
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Digital Responsibilities: Digital citizens have the
responsibility to adhere to copyright laws by ensuring to cite all, and any,
information correctly without committing plagiarism or acts of fraud/forgery.
Citizens will respect the property of ownership by not illegally downloading,
or sharing, music without proper consent. To be safe, digital users should just
ask permission to ensure everyone’s safety.
MY
EXPERIENCE WITH WIKIS
Finally, a tool that I can say I know, Wikis – not just the famous Wikipedia - but wiki’s in general. In brief,“A wiki is usually a web application which allows people to add, modify, or delete content in a collaboration with others” (“Wiki”,2013). See, how I cited this last quote from a wiki page – a page that is continuously ‘under revision’ – meaning that in a day or two , if not sooner, the information could change – making it not the best place to cite sources from an academic standpoint.
Finally, a tool that I can say I know, Wikis – not just the famous Wikipedia - but wiki’s in general. In brief,“A wiki is usually a web application which allows people to add, modify, or delete content in a collaboration with others” (“Wiki”,2013). See, how I cited this last quote from a wiki page – a page that is continuously ‘under revision’ – meaning that in a day or two , if not sooner, the information could change – making it not the best place to cite sources from an academic standpoint.
Most
students are well aware of the academic standards that stipulate not to
reference Wikipedia since the material obtained can be viewed as an unreliable
source to credit -– and in one way – I agree. Conversely, there is dubious
support for the reliability of Wikipedia since this information was, ironically, located in Wikipedia (as
this week’s reading resource) - a little bias or not – it is up to the reader
to decide and to double check the credibility. This is what occurs when you are
relying on a web tool that is created from the collaborative effort of users
that are usually free to edit and modify what is written on any given wiki. Perhaps,
it is the simplicity of using a wiki that has made it so popular world-wide as
a research tool – try it – type a word and you will probably see that the
first, or second, link in the search engine usually is Wikipedia.
"Wikipedia is
the start line not the finish....
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PresenterMedia.
(2013).
Curiosity Entering the Light & "Wikipedia logo" -Modified [Online Images].
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For me the great advantages are the speed and convenience of getting to something as useful as a Wikipedia page as a starting point. For most it is the first door you open to knowledge on a topic, a reasonably short and structured introduction. Once through, you can move out of that room and explore the edifice that lies behind by following up citations, links, images, videos, articles, academic papers, books and so on “ (Clark, 2012).
While my love-hate relationships with wikis are in constant battle I do see some as tools for collaborative learning. Some are content and participant controlled such as Wikispaces, a website monitored by the creator, usually a teacher; whereas, others such as Brock University Teaching Wiki are created for teachers of higher education to participate in a collaborative effort to contribute to a community of learners. However, I still firmly believe that a word of caution should go out to those who use any wikis as a primary reference source. My opinion – is always to double check the source!
WIKIS FOR ADULT EDUCATORS?
Since week
one, I have proclaimed the many advantages that web tools have in education;
however, this week I am looking for some advice that may open my educator's
toolbox for wiki’s. As an adult educator, I know all too well that Wikipedia,
or any wiki for that matter, is only as good as its contributors and/or editors.
Are wiki’s only good for ‘draft’ projects since revisions are made continuously?
Or, should they even be used in higher education? From an educational standpoint, any teaching
methodology that can engage students, invoked interest and facilitate learning
has thumbs up in my books. However, I still am refusing to add any Wiki into my
educator’s tool box since I find the tool more useful as a ‘cheating’ tool than
a credible source.
ARE WIKIS FOR ADULT EDUCATORS?
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Presenter
Media. (2013).
Arrow Pointing Custom Text [Online Image Customized] Link.
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Please feel
free to leave me a comment, or tweet, that will convince me to open, or close, my educator's
tool box to wikis.
FEEDLY HELPS ME EXPLORE STUDYBOOST.COM
“Here's a fun challenge to give to students and most adults; try to wait ten minutes before looking at your phone when you hear your text message notification” (Byrne, 2013). This was the opening line that caught my attention to one of my favourite blogs in my reader this week. It was this fun challenge that had digital innovators create StudyBoost – a tool that encapsulates the compulsive text messaging habit into a learning tool. Study Boost provides the educator and student with independent or collaborative learning activities that go beyond the classroom. It takes the addiction of text messaging to a whole new level – if you can’t leave texting than you might as well join the texting craze – but - please remember to text only when safe to do so (had to say that for the addicts out there and the ones that I see every day driving <sign>).
A quick
suggestion, if you are an educator (or even a student) and you are looking for
a good blog to follow - I highly recommend Richard Byrne’s Free Technology forTeachers. His blogs are insightful and up-to-date with the newest technology
gadgets – and when not introducing new tools he provides articles that are
technology inspired.
FINAL WORDS – GOING BACK TO GOOGLE DOCS
Last week’s blog introduced Google Docs (a.k.a Google Drive) and the many advantages that this tool has. During this final week my research partner, Jannett, and I had a chance to finalize our Google Docs presentation: Digital Health and Wellness. During this process we were able to discuss how this tool scores high in the collaborative learning process; however, some of the features lack in comparison to other tools such as PowerPoint. Even with the wonders of being able to work and chat simultaneously, it was frustrating when we discovered the creative limitations. The variety of fonts and animations were limited and being able to modify or format a picture was impossible – basically, what you embed is what you are stuck with. Don’t get me wrong, I still ‘love’ this tool and will continue to use it going forward. Sometimes, it just takes time to grow out of something old (my love for PowerPoint) and appreciate the new.
FINAL WORDS – GOING BACK TO GOOGLE DOCS
Last week’s blog introduced Google Docs (a.k.a Google Drive) and the many advantages that this tool has. During this final week my research partner, Jannett, and I had a chance to finalize our Google Docs presentation: Digital Health and Wellness. During this process we were able to discuss how this tool scores high in the collaborative learning process; however, some of the features lack in comparison to other tools such as PowerPoint. Even with the wonders of being able to work and chat simultaneously, it was frustrating when we discovered the creative limitations. The variety of fonts and animations were limited and being able to modify or format a picture was impossible – basically, what you embed is what you are stuck with. Don’t get me wrong, I still ‘love’ this tool and will continue to use it going forward. Sometimes, it just takes time to grow out of something old (my love for PowerPoint) and appreciate the new.
References
American School of Bombay (ASB). (2013). ASB's responsible use policy. Retrieved from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:8tujzPt4kUAJ:digitalcitizenship.asb-wiki.wikispaces.net/file/view/ES%2BRUP%2B09-10.docx+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a
Byrne, R. (2013, November 8). Studying through text messages. Free Technology For Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/11/studying-through-text-messages.html#.Un70puLgfgg
Clark, D. (2012, December 12). Wikis – wickedly clever, underused learning tool. Donald Clark Plan B: What is Plan B? Not Plan A! [Blog]. Retrieved from http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wikis-wickedly-clever-underused.html
Ribble, M. (2011). Digital citizenship in schools (2nd Ed.).Washington, D.C: International Society for Technology in Education.
Shea, V. (2008). The core rules of netiquette. The Albion.com Netiquette Site. Retrieved from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
StudyBoost. (2013). 10 reasons to use studybooth. Retrieved from https://bellcurves.studyboost.com/about_us
StudyBoost. (2010, November 10). Study using SMS and IM [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk9r_BashAg&feature=youtu.be
Tangient LLC. (2013). Digital citizenship rights & responsibilities. Retrieved from http://fsudigitalcitizenship.wikispaces.com/Digital+Citizenship+Rights+%26+Responsibilities
TeachersFirst: Wiki Walk-Through: The Basics. (2013). Retrieved November 7, 2013, from http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/
Templeton, B. (2008, October). 10 big myths about copyright explained. Retrieved from http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2013, November 9). Retrieved November 9, 2013, from
American School of Bombay (ASB). (2013). ASB's responsible use policy. Retrieved from http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:8tujzPt4kUAJ:digitalcitizenship.asb-wiki.wikispaces.net/file/view/ES%2BRUP%2B09-10.docx+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a
Byrne, R. (2013, November 8). Studying through text messages. Free Technology For Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/11/studying-through-text-messages.html#.Un70puLgfgg
Clark, D. (2012, December 12). Wikis – wickedly clever, underused learning tool. Donald Clark Plan B: What is Plan B? Not Plan A! [Blog]. Retrieved from http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.ca/2012/12/wikis-wickedly-clever-underused.html
Ribble, M. (2011). Digital citizenship in schools (2nd Ed.).Washington, D.C: International Society for Technology in Education.
Shea, V. (2008). The core rules of netiquette. The Albion.com Netiquette Site. Retrieved from http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
StudyBoost. (2013). 10 reasons to use studybooth. Retrieved from https://bellcurves.studyboost.com/about_us
StudyBoost. (2010, November 10). Study using SMS and IM [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk9r_BashAg&feature=youtu.be
Tangient LLC. (2013). Digital citizenship rights & responsibilities. Retrieved from http://fsudigitalcitizenship.wikispaces.com/Digital+Citizenship+Rights+%26+Responsibilities
TeachersFirst: Wiki Walk-Through: The Basics. (2013). Retrieved November 7, 2013, from http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/
Templeton, B. (2008, October). 10 big myths about copyright explained. Retrieved from http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2013, November 9). Retrieved November 9, 2013, from
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