Presentation on the last finding during the Academic Coffee Session for the Malaysian PhD Communities held on 25 July 2009, in Murdoch University, Australia.
1. Academic Coffee Session (ACS) 25 July 2009, Murdoch University MyPSAWA Wiki Pedagogy: Changing The Education Landscape Presented By: Norhisham MohamadNordinUniversity of Western AustraliaEmail: norhishamn@gmail.com
2. Content outline Introduction Theoretical framework Research questions Study setting Research method Results Discussion Conclusion Reflecting on PhD Journey Questions and Answers
3. Current Classroom Scenario “Imagine in a classroom where what you learn only comes directly from your teacher. You don’t have any textbook to refer to, merely your teacher’s presentation slides where you have stared blankly from the LCD projector. You can’t ask question or give opinion, but only to listen. The excitement is because your are having your class in a computer lab. Sadly, you cant’ even turn on the computer. You have so many questions to ask but do not know who to turn to. Your classmates have lost interest in the teaching. They are playing games with their mobile phone. Your teacher reminded you that what she taught today will be in the coming mid term exam and you don’t have any clues what she is talking about for the entire 75 minutes of class time!” Question: Does this sound like an exciting and fun classroom learning ?
4. Imagine otherwise… You create your own learning, share with friends, use Internet and other online application to help you learn, 24/7 “Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet is given free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That’s what we’re doing” --Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder (Wales, 2004)
5. Introduction :Definition of wiki Wikipedia.org A wiki is a website that uses wiki software, allowing the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages, using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor, within the browser. Klobas (2006) “the software [that] enables people both to read and edit the content of the site, while the site that readers see has been produced by multiple authors interacting with the software”
6. Theoretical Framework:Social Constructivist Theory Study based on social constructivist theory by Vygotsky (1978) language and culture play essential roles both in human intellectual development and in how humans perceive the world. human cognitive structure is essentially socially constructed. Knowledge is not simply constructed but it is co-constructed. The social construction of knowledge through learning is therefore a collaborative process.
7. Theoretical Framework: Activity Theory Social constructivist theory is often explained in relation to activity based learning theory or activity theory for short . The expansion of Vygotsky’s ideas was developed largely under the activity theory banner. Activity theory supports several pedagogy approaches In this study, the approaches will be on: project based learning, inquiry based learning and problem based learning
8. Research questions Main theme question for the study: “How can wikis effectively support computer supported collaborative learning and knowledge sharing in schools?” Specifically, the study addresses two sub-questions: 1. What learning approaches are appropriate for online collaborative learning using wikis in school? 2. What are the key factors that contribute to effective use of wikis in school?
9. Study setting 16 year old students in Malaysian schools Taking Information Communication & Technology (ICT) courses of 6 modules Wikis used in 2 modules: ICT and Society Multimedia
10. Study setting N=169 Students – 74 Male and 95 Female 11 schools – 6 Smart Schools , 5 normal schools Mix of urban, rural settings Assumption: Student taking ICT courses are IT literate Teachers integrate Internet into teaching and learning
11. Research methodology Design based research in education Design Based Research - (DBR, Brown, 1992; Collins, 1992) is the study of learning through: systematic design instructional strategies and tools DBR shapes real learning environments through educational interventions In this study: Design pedagogy activities using wiki
12. Research methodology Initial Design Study Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Evaluation Iterative Process Testing/ Measuring the result Finalize Design Study Re-design Study After Interview With Teachers Re-design Study After Introduction To Wiki
14. Results Activity completion rates : 100% in Ice Breaking Session (IBS) 87% Completed Task 1 (Inquiry based learning pedagogical approach ) 62% Completed Task 2 (Problem based learning pedagogical approach ) 25% Completed Task 3 (Project based learning pedagogical approach ) Factors contributing to success of the designed activities using wikis: Proportion groups member between 4-5 for effective learning Incorporate real life (scenario) in learning design Implement introductory wiki courses Encourage wiki editing culture
15. Discussion Wiki study is an eye opener for teacher to fully utilized Internet, specifically Web 2.0 tools in their classroom Activities in wiki need to be design according to pedagogy Complement traditional class learning and enhance student understanding High group participation in active learning Mutual benefit among group as knowledge is shared Self directed learning – set pace of learning Acquiring new learning not covered in class
16. Conclusion Clear evidence in the study that wiki can be used as a tools to support collaborative learning and knowledge sharing in schools Wiki pedagogy used in teaching & learning: design learning around the education syllabus empowering knowledge to students more knowledge shared, more learning done build trust, helping each, mutual understanding among students teachers facilitates learning, students drives learning Web 2.0 integrate in classroom