Controversial--yes. Knowledge building--yes. Accurate--yes. Inaccurate--yes. A new animal--yes.
But the most important thing about it--
model for Collective intelligence--wisdom of crowds (Surowiecki)
the "global brain" (Wikinomics)
Wouldn't we want our students to be arguing this passionately over knowledge building all the time?"
As David Warlick points out, "...the textbook, however it manifest itself, should become a meeting place, where students come and discuss, right there at the content."
The new "wikinomics"
With mass collaboration, "we can peer produce an operating system, an encyclopedia, the media, a mutual fund, and even physical things like a motorcycle. . . . A new economic democracy is emerging in which we all have a lead role." p.15
"The production of knowledge, goods, and services is becoming a collaborative activity in which growing numbers of people can participate." p. 16
"Something really interesting happens when you trust your customers. . . They trust you" Tantek Celik, in Wikinomics p. 43
"The future, therefore, lies in collaboration across borders, cultures, companies, and disciplines. Countries ...that turn inward will not succeed in the new era." Wikinomics p. 61
Wikis make for "good conversations if you don't really know someone and want to get to know them.
It's not always easy to put things into words.
I was afraid to talk to someone because I didn't think we had anything in common
but I read a posting of theirs and it opened up the doors to talk." D.B.
"There was a time when I couldn't get a word in class and wanted to say it so when I got home I posted it to get it out." D.B.
"When we first started using wikis I wasn't very happy because I don't consider myself a good writer. However after my 3rd posting, I realized I was benefitting from this, b/c I was finally getting my thoughts organized on paper." B. L.
"You don't have to be face to face with someone to have a meaningful conversation. Its a good way, I think, to get to know your classmates." anon.
Other Questions?
--How do you make it less schooly and get students more involved?
--How do other tools intersect? Facebook/Discussion boards/Blogs
--Uses of wikis--constructing knowledge versus sharing
--Power of collective intelligence? Positives and negatives
TCEA Presentation--Wikis to Connect, Collaborate, Create
With mass collaboration, "we can peer produce an operating system, an encyclopedia, the media, a mutual fund, and even physical things like a motorcycle. . . . A new economic democracy is emerging in which we all have a lead role." p.15 
Comments (1)
cf said
at 9:24 am on Mar 31, 2008
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