Online Communication to Foster Collaboration –

Blogs, Wikis, & Podcasts

Technology Applications Centerhttp://tac.nvcc.edu; csimpson@nvcc.edu

Wikis

What Is a Wiki?

• A website where anyone can edit anything anytime

• Use “edit page” link to add content to website

• Wikipedia.org

Wikis in Plain EnglishYouTube Video

By Lee Lefever

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Wikiversity:Main_Page

http://tactips.pbwiki.com/

http://hybridbp.pbwiki.com/

Why Use a Wiki?

• Provides ability to amass and publish wide-ranging tailor-made resource easily

• Can showcase Best Practices

• Fosters collaboration and interaction

• Provides means to publish online texts

How Do I Get Started?• Use PB Wiki or JotSpot

For pbwiki, go to http://www.pbwiki.com

• Click View Demo

• Other free tools with free hosting & levels of permissions and access– SeedWiki – Wikicities

Blogs

What Is a Blog?• Easily created, updateable website that

allows author or authors to publish instantly to Internet from any connection

• Not built on static chunks of content

• Engages readers with ideas, questions, and links

Will Richardson. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts. 2006

Blogs in Plain English

YouTube Video

By Lee Lefever

http://teachingprofessor.blogspot.com/

http://www.classroommanagement101.com/blog/

http://tacupdates.blogspot.com/

Why Use Blogs?• Promotes critical and analytical thinking

• Is medium for increasing access to quality information

• Combines solitary reflection and social interaction

• Extends classroom interaction beyond walls

• Provides means for online filing cabinet

How Do I Get Started?

• Sign up for blog at Blogger

www.blogger.com

• Free & easy to use

• Can create as many blogs as you want

with levels of privacy

How Can I Learn from Others Using Educator Blogs?

• Alan Levine http://www.nmc.org/blog/alan

• Anne Davis http://anne.teachesme.com

• Stephen Downes http://www.downes.ca/

• David Warlick http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/

• Tim Wilson http://technosavvy.org

Podcasts

What Is a Podcast?

• An audio or video file on the Internet that is delivered to a user’s computer or hand held device

• Is available on a subscription basis

NOTE: An Apple iPod is not required.

Podcasting in Plain English

YouTube Video

By Lee Lefever

Why Podcast?Easy method to share information with

students & colleagues

– Tech Tool Reviews – Video How-to Presentations – Discussions on Course-related Topics– Guest Speakers– Sharing and Commenting on Student

Work

TAC Podcasts

iTunesU: a gathering place for podcasts

iTunes U

NOVA on iTunes U

Where to Find Podcasts?• NOVA on iTunes U – • http://www.nvcc.edu/about-nova/itunesu/index.html

• iTunes Store

• Podcast Directories –

• http://www.ipodder.org/

• http://www.podcastalley.com/

• http://www.podcastdirectory.com/

How Do I Listen to a Podcast?

• Subscribe.

• Use Podcatcher software known as aggregator.

• iTunes (most popular) or Doppler Radio http://www.dopplerradio.net/

• Podcast is available through RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed.

What Hardware Is Needed to Create Podcast?

• A computer - either a PC or a Mac.

• PC – Pentium 4, 1 gig of space.

• A soundcard that features a mic-in jack.

• A microphone. Prices from $9 - $150.

Recording Software

• PC or MAC – Audacity with LAME MP3 encoder – free, open-source http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

• MAC – GarageBand $79

http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/

A Road Map to Your Podcast

1. Determine Audience

2. Define your Message

3. Develop script or outline

4. Assemble gear and equipment

5. Record

6. Edit

7. Convert to mp3

8. Publish and promote

Legality Issues

• Beware of using licensed music.

• Use public domain or music under Creative Commons license.

• Odeo http://www.odeo.com/

• Garageband http://www.garageband.com/

• Create your own music with Fruity Loops, Acid, or Garage Band (MAC)

Podcast Search Tools

• ITunes Store

• Podcast Directories – – http://www.podcastalley.com/– http://www.podcastdirectory.com/

Have fun podcasting!

• Email tac@nvcc.edu if you need help.

• Visit http://tac.nvcc.edu/ for resources on podcasting.

To get started

http://tac.nvcc.edu/podcasts/

Share with a partner how blogs, wikis, or podcasting

will be useful to you.

Print Resources

• Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom by Will Richardson

• What No one Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting by Ted Demopoulos