I have to say, it seems we have some very keen students this semester. We got their wiki logins set up by about 3:30, notified them by 3:45 and the first one had logged in by 3:55. Nearly 10 % of them have already logged in and it’s only 2 hours later. I must say, I’m impressed. It bodes well for an interactive, and productive learning environment.
It’s exciting starting with a blank slate and having to develop the whole thing. We decided that the skills and experience of getting something like this up and running is an important part of managing technology. So we aim to give students a taste of empty and the ability to shape the community. I’m hopeful that eventually we will have the minimalist structure well enough thought out, that it will work with any group.
By minimalist structure, I mean the basic shape of what they need to do, the outlines of what we expect for assessment and the basic structure of the organisation of information. That structure is simply three headings: Technical, Social applications, and Business applications. There is room to add other headings if students feel the need. But I think those three cover a gamut of sins and allow students to explore mobile technologies in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Perhaps I should be writing this up for a paper for a conference. Serious thought needs to be done!
Tags:
flexible learning, technology, wikis