Veronica Wilbur PhD APRN College of Health Professions Chair Nurse Practitioner Program

 After participation in this session learners will be able to: ◦ 1) Prepare a wiki discussion within the Bb environment ◦ 2) Identify at least one class that this Wiki/Group activity can be implemented ◦ 3) Describe at least two benefits to using the Wiki over the Discussion Board.

 Let’s review the basics  What is a ‘wiki’? ◦ Website that promotes sharing and creating ideas ◦ Promotes meaningful interaction between topics  What is a ‘discussion board’? ◦ Asynchronous communication used by individuals ◦ Similar to face-to-face in class discussions

WikiDiscussion Board  Allows all users to make changes or add pages as needed  Allows posting of a variety of media  Overall easy to use – with good directions  Students from anywhere can participate in group work without travel  Provides extended time for discussion in an online medium  Allows individuals to participate whom might not in class  Creation of virtual communities

WikiDiscussion Board  Open wiki’s anyone can edit  Lack of faculty guidance can make the wiki disorganized  Can be confusing to a student intimidated by technology  Discussions can go ‘off course’  Participants find the posts redundant and difficult to respond  Good discussion boards need good monitors

 Benefits ◦ Not open source ◦ Readily available in any class (online or face-to- face)  Suggested Activities ◦ Group Presentations ◦ Development of virtual communities ◦ Charts to fill in ◦ Sign-up

 Starting the wiki in Bb ◦ Smartipantz – Interactive tools – Create a Wiki  Types of assignments/activities to use with Wiki’s  Directions for students ◦ Key component to promote group work

 Wiki Boards in Bb ◦ Limited number of characters in the instruction section ◦ Pages will not course copy ◦ Student uncertainties with technology

 Wikis can genuinely allow ‘engaged’ student learning  Student discussions can be: ◦ Conducted in a format that is not ‘click’ oriented ◦ Encourage more engagement  Faculty can see the full discussion at a glance

 Wiki’s add a dimension to student engagement not found in the discussion boards  Is readily available within the Bb system  Clear guidance using the wiki provides a rich experience for students

 Available for assistance at