wikis & collaborative

learningthe future of story writing and

peer editing in journalism

Presentation to Mount MACT University Faculty Conference

May 20, 2009

agenda

History (or where journalism has been)

The current model of journalism Problems

A new solution for a collaborative future Pros & cons of wikis Pedagogical benefits Relationship to social capital Implementation Implications Demonstration of wiki

history

Old Skool Journalism

Content creation & editing in journalism has historically been a one-way street between editor & writer

the current model

One-to-one editing process

Journalism student produce content Encouraged to seek peer review but

feel it is redundant

Instructor has final approval Face-to-face dialogue Instructors spend too much time on

correcting errors than facilitating learning

No community input

a new solution

Toward a more collaborative future: We suggest a Wiki

What is it? A website that allows users to make

additions or edit any content within the site

pros & cons

Pros Web-based – no spatial and temporal

limits in collaborative writing/editing. Open sourced technology – cost

effective Tracking capability – version history User friendly User access control

Cons Security/privacy issue Open to spam and vandalism Contents may become disorganized if

not managed properly Must have internet access

learning

Pedagogical benefits Collaboration creates knowledge Develop students’ skill sets Replicates workplace situations Facilitates team building

implementation

tying in to social capital

Social capital defined as resources embedded in a social network that can be mobilized for purposive action (Lin, 1999)

Social constructivist framework: Knowledge is socially constructed

Wiki creates a network of peers for journalism students: Networks are resources; creates

social capital Social capital builds intellectual

capital, knowledge capacity & facilitates future success

implications

Evolving Conversations

CBC News

Conversations, crowds and control

Wikinews

LA Times

Experiment in the Hub

Implications, con’t

conclusion

Faculty’s role in exploring collaborative learning techniques

Faculty involvement in Wiki application Reviewing & editing

Demo of our presentation wiki

Thank you!