Gondzik,+Anna

//Major Contributions (Nov-Dec)//


 * Effectiveness**
 * Purpose
 * Elements
 * Usability Principles
 * References

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 * Research Methods**
 * Ethnography
 * Diagram
 * References

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 * Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research**
 * Intro
 * Definition Qualitative
 * Definition Quantitative
 * References

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Initial Encounters with Wiki

 * What do you think/feel about the collaborative learning environment?
 * What are your expectations for yourself?
 * If you have previously used wiki in another course, then describe what you have previously learned and how you want expand your understanding.
 * What can you contribute as an experienced participant?

I believe the collaborative learning environment is an excellent strategy to help students share insights, concepts, and ideas learned throughout the course. Each student is able to gather information about a particular topic of their interest, and apply their knowledge directly to the website. Others are allowed to edit, organize and add to any concepts that are posted providing a more coherent and accurate presentation of information. Wiki is a useful study guide and reference tool for projects and tests.

As a first year DEM student, I have never participated in or ever heard of ‘wikispaces’ (I didn’t even know wikipedia was a collaboration). I was a bit hesitant to start. First, I researched the topics I wanted to include, and transferred my knowledge to Word until I could figure out how to ‘post’ on Wiki. I never asked for help because I did not want to appear completely technically-challenged. Fortunately, most aspects of Wiki are fairly straightforward. I expect to contribute further information on other topics that interest me throughout the course, especially topics that I have trouble grasping or are completely new to me. I am also hoping to adjust to the wiki collaboration better and become a more fluent user.

Contributing to Wiki

 * How do you choose which postings to contribute to or change
 * What are your thoughts on adding, editing or re-arranging other people's work?
 * Do you regularly check your own postings for alterations? Has anyone changed your work and how have you felt about it?

I usually decide to make new pages, but if I notice something important is missing from another page, I will add more insights. I try to add to topics that are either interesting, or topics that I know absolutely nothing about so that I can go find out, rather than post knowledge that I already know. This is probably not the strategy most people choose, but researching the less known topics helps with studying.

I have no problems adding to other people’s work. Re-arranging the context would not bother me either, but I am not sure if I would want to delete other people’s work. Rather than delete something that in my view is completely wrong, I may simply create a counter-argument or just post some additional information. So far my ‘effectiveness’ page has been re-arranged and subtitled quite nicely; I’m impressed. My other topics have also been organized with neat line separations and proper headings. I definitely enjoy the idea of people editing my work.

Final Reflection

 * Have your views changed in regards to collaborative learning while participating in this wiki?
 * Are there any ideas, suggestions or comments you could share for possible improvements?
 * Things you thought were most productive or helpful about using wiki?

My views regarding the collaborative learning environment have not changed while participating in this wiki. I found a number of concepts and guides to be a valuable learning tool throughout my experience. In particular, I found the ‘How to edit wiki’ page very helpful while starting off. The wiki glossary was useful for studying and clarifying certain ideas. The Q&A pages definitely answered some questions I had, as well as additional questions I hadn’t thought about. I found that the spaces created for the project were very enjoyable and easy to work with. The idea of having the project so easily accessible online really facilitated the progress, and didn’t require constant group meetings. Everyone was automatically able to view and edit each other’s work.

In General, the CCT333 wikispace had all the information I needed. Anything else would just be an extra bonus, for example, it would be great to have the lectures podcasted and posted online for those who missed a lecture or would like to review it one more time. Overall, the wiki environment provided me with a great new learning experience.