Several popular communication tools are available within
Blackboard. Although this post will discuss blogs and wikis—there are
many more tools available that I will highlight in future posts.
When deciding to use a blog or wiki, consider your
instructional objectives and course goals. Blogs may be set up on the
course, group, or individual level in Blackboard. They may be used for
journaling, sharing of research and creative writing, and collaboration. Wikis
are collaborative web pages. Ideal for group research and writing projects, the
history function in wikis allow instructors to see the contributions of each
group member in minute detail. They may be deployed at the course, group, or
individual level.
A comparison of both tools:
|
Features
|
Blog
|
Wiki
|
|
Focus
|
Author-centered
|
Document or deliverable centered.
|
|
Writing Style
|
Similar to a personal journal; reflective or
conversational; informal.
|
Similar to a group project; likely formal.
|
|
Entry Display
|
Typically reverse chronological; most recent entries
appear first.
|
Pages typically appear alphabetically.
|
|
Editing Options
|
Personal posts may be edited; no group/collaborative
editing.
|
Collaborative editing
|
|
Feedback
|
Allowed and encouraged but not necessary.
|
Allowed but the focus is more on collaborative editing.
|
|
Grading Options
|
Blog entries may be collected per student assessed;
directly linked to the Grade Center.
|
Wikis may be assessed; directly linked to the Grade
Center. The tool provides a History feature allowing for an analysis of
individual contribution.
|
|
Challenges and Limitations
|
Blogs are inherently more user-centered so other students
may not regularly access and comment on others’ posts.
|
Collaborative editing does require user
responsibility. Students may need more guidance or sophisticated skills
in using certain features.
|
|
Examples
|
– Personal journal to record, share, and reflect on field
experiences or research activities.- A structured venue for writing about
course readings.
|
– Coordinate, compile, synthesize, and present individual
or group projects or research.- Build and share group resources and
knowledge.- Peer review, feedback, or critique.
|
Contact your instructional designer for help in creating and
deploying these tools. You can also visit the Blackboard support site for
setting up a blog or wiki.
