Using WIKIS for Collaborative Learning

http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/using-wikis-for-collaborative-learning/

In the higher education environment, the use of wikis to facilitate collaboration among students is a great tool. A wiki is a website that allows you to create and edit a number of interlinked webpages via a web browser using a simple text editor. Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, management systems and note services. A wiki is an excellent choice for team project management, or in the case of higher education, group projects and case studies. It eliminates the need to email different versions of documents amoung team members. It also reduces confusion and gives equal access to all team members. It is a very effective way for group members to stay on top of the group process. Wikis allow users to access different versions of the page with a history feature. Tracking is avaliable to identify the time and day of each change and the individual who made the change. With tracking team members are encouraged to participate because the other members and the instructor will be able to see who contributed.The history feature also allows for previous versions of documents to be used if necessary. If someone accidentally deletes something on a page or makes a mistake, which sometimes happens when you have group members editing documents, the history feature allows you to go back to a previous version or compare the page to subsequent versions, and make corrections if needed.

I think wikis are great technology tools to use in higher education today!

My Favorite Websites

My three favorite websies:

http://www.myfamily.com/ - This website keeps your family connected. You are able to set up your own family's "home page" and share with each other. My family's page was created by one of my mom's brothers. My mother has a very large family with relatives spread out all over the USA. This site allows us to post information, pictures and links and share with each other thru the use of technology. It is a GREAT way for us to stay in touch with each other!

http://www.facebook.com/ - The largest social network that has allowed me to stay in tune (and touch) with my daughter, my family and many friends. I have been able to re-connect with old friends and those who live in distant locations.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/ - Wonderful website that randomly searches websites from a selction of interest that you choose when you sign up for the website. You can really find things on the internet that you never knew existed!

INTRODUCTION

An introduction about me ~ I am a 46 year old lady, living in a smal town in middle Georgia, persuing my dreams and loving every minute of life! I was born and rasied here and am one of those who never "left my roots." I have worked in state government for 23 years and in the private sector for 5 years all in human resources and business administration. I am currently the Director of Human resources for Sandersville Technical College. I absolutely love my job and the great group of people I work with. I am the mother of a wonderful 21 year of daughter who is a senior at the Univeristy of Georgia. She is just as ambitious as her mother as she will be graduating from UGA in December after attending for only three and a half years.

When my daughter turned 16 and didn't "need me any longer", I found myself with a burning desire to obtain my college education. Five years later thru divorce, a bout with breast cancer and the responsibility of a being a single mom, I will obtain my degree in May of this year. All of the ups and downs have all been strong influences which have prodded me to success. While I do love the big city life, I have found a great appreciation for small town living and the simple things in life that are only found here!

NEW BLOGGER

I am really excited to become a part of the "blog" world. My daughter is an avid blogger and has been encouraging me to get on board. I had previously created a blog page but due to overloads at work and taking 5 classes each semester to finish my degree, I just haven't had time to really get into blogging.

As fate has it in all situations, one of my classes this semester is Information Systems Management. As part of an assignment, I have to create a blog and create a "Welcome Post".

So here it is guys...I will be chitting, chatting and chattering my way thru this last semester of class with each and every one of you as you read my blog site "Chit, Chat and Chatter"!