In order to develop knowledge of a wiki and the learning theories which underpin it, several learners participated in a scaffolded wiki on the topic of Mobile Phones in Schools. Learners used de Bono’s thinking hats to brainstorm arguments revolving around this topic, whilst analysing learning from an educational standpoint. A wiki is essentially a webpage which allows users and people with internet access to read, edit and modify information. This provides a flexible learning space whereby people can collaborate and learn through asynchronous communication resulting in the accumulation of diverse perspectives.
Learning Theories
Several learning theories such as constructivism, cognitivism and connectivism underpin the learning which occurs in a wiki. Constructivism defines learning as “an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it” (Lein, 2007) . Therefore to learn, an active role must be assumed whereby new knowledge is learnt through problem solving, social interaction, arguments and real-life situations which lead to developing understanding (Lein, 2007) . Students engage in open-ended discussions where they are challenged by different perspectives in a discovery approach (Snowman, Dobozy, Scevak, Bryer, Bartlett, & Biehler, 2009) . This is central to a wiki which is based on actively learning through the collaboration of several learners who come together to discuss and form new ideas.
Several learning theories such as constructivism, cognitivism and connectivism underpin the learning which occurs in a wiki. Constructivism defines learning as “an active, contextualized process of constructing knowledge rather than acquiring it”
Cognitivism revolves around the cognitive processes involved in learning and the ability to learn by modifying prior knowledge (schemes) by assimilating existing knowledge with new ideas to form new knowledge (Snowman, Dobozy, Scevak, Bryer, Bartlett, & Biehler, 2009) . The cognitivist theory utilises tools to connect knowledge which include mental maps such as using a table and de Bono’s hats to organise information. In the wiki on mobile phones in schools, learners had the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and connect with other’s ideas to form new knowledge and opinions.
Connectivism is a theory which recognises that learning is no longer an individual activity, is rapidly changing and is influenced by a variety of information sources which can occur outside of an individual. Therefore, technology is also a source of knowledge and can be used to access information. The acquisition of knowledge is determined by learners making connections between ideas and concepts and choosing what and how they want to learn.
This underpins wikis whereby learners use a non-human device to network and gain information through the collation of a variety of opinions and sources (Siemens, 2004) .
Use of Scaffolding
Scaffolding provides tasks with purpose, making them meaningful and allowing the desired learning to occur. This is essential in wikis, where there is potential for students to become off topic, confused or fail to complete tasks altogether. The scaffold in the Mobile Phones Wiki consisted of a table with each of de Bono’s Thinking Hats, and ensured participants remained within the realms of brainstorming about the topic. De Bono’s Hats enabled all perspectives to be incorporated in an organised and efficient manner by organising them clearly under each heading or hat. A scaffold ensures that thinking is visible and discussions can be recorded for future use. This enables the wiki to be used as an ongoing discussion with elaborations made as new information or knowledge is discovered or developed.
Advantages
“Siemens (2005) elaborates: Blogs, wikis, and other open, collaborative platforms are reshaping learning as a two-way process. Instead of presenting content/information/knowledge in a linear sequential manner, learners can be provided with a rich array of tools and information sources to use in creating their own learning pathways” (Darrow, 2009) . Wikis have a range of uses in educational settings including class pages with problems and links, a collaboration tool for group assignments and class discussions. Some students are disinclined to participate in class discussions, whereas a wiki can be used to encourage all students to contribute and to monitor these contributions. Students can also return to discussion points and the learning manager can assess prior knowledge and student understanding.
Disadvantages
The open-nature of wikis presents the potential for information to be unreliable or incorrect drawing criticism of wikis being an inaccurate source of information, which is minimised when wikis are used as a collaboration tool rather than a definitive source of information. There is also potential for wikis to become disorganised and off-topic if proper scaffolding is not provided.
My Participation
When approaching the wiki, I felt negatively towards the topic of Mobile Phones in Schools and subsequently assumed a position under the black hat. However, by reading perspectives and arguments and thinking with the other hats, I began to make connections and consider other uses and views about the topic and argued alternative points of view. By participating in the wiki my arguments were scrutinised which encouraged me to critically reflect and evaluate my thinking. The collaborative approach lessened the amount of research each individual needed to undertake, whilst ensuring the information was maximised and gathered in one place. I found the wiki to be a useful learning tool, as we were able to engage in learning in an online discussion without the need for face to face contact, demonstrating the effective use of technology in the 21st century.
References
Darrow, S. (2009). Connectivism Learning Theory: Instructional Tools for College Courses. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from Western Connecticut State University Library: http://library.wcsu.edu/dspace/bitstream/0/487/1/Darrow,+Suzanne_+Connectivism+Learning+Theory_Instructional+Tools+for+College+Courses.pdf
Lein, K. (2007). Constructivist Approach. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from ELearning Pedagogy: http://elearningpedagogy.com/constructivist.html
Siemens, G. (2004). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Retrieved November 10, 2011, from elearnspace: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
Snowman, J., Dobozy, E., Scevak, J., Bryer, F., Bartlett, B., & Biehler, R. (2009). Psychology Applied to Teaching. Milton: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.
