I have had experiences of using Wiki through the one set up by the Better Beginnings team from State Library and recieve any updates via my email. Compared with a website I don't find the Wiki format engaging and the layout is quite boring, but after watching the clip on common craft 'Wiki's in Plain English I now understand why - a Wiki is a 'working document'. A common ground for people to share and exchange ideas. Having said that the LGAM knowledge Database (one of the examples shown in this week's exercise) was well laid out with interesting links and covering a wide range of topics on local government.
As part of this week's exercises I have set up a wiki on Wetpaint to experiment with as I have a project coming up in May where it might be useful.
http://menatarms.wetpaint.com/
I am directing Men at Arms (from the book by Terry Pratchett) for my drama club and the wiki may be useful to post my ideas on sets, costumes and props. By giving the production team access to the Wiki, they can see what I need and add their thoughts. It could save a lot of phone calls & emails, that never really connect everyone.
From a work point of view (after all, that is why we are investigating all these technologies!), Wiki's could be useful for a group project or collecting everyone's ideas about a specific topic, like the camping trip scenario on common craft's explanation on Wikis. All the information would be collected in one place, everyone would have access and could contribute their ideas. Not everyone has to be in the same room at the same time and sometimes people need time to think about what they want to contribute. I think it would worthwhile to try it out.
Addendum: Men at Arms is produced by Murray Music & Drama Club, and will be performed at the Pinjarra Civic Centre in August 2011. For further details, see our website at http://www.mmdc.com.au/index.php
Thats a really good point you make about people needing time to think about what they want to contribute. I think of the times I have been to meetings and asked to contribute ideas and my mind has just gone blank, until I get home when they all start flooded in. Also some prefer not to draw attention to themselves in large groups, expressing their ideas clearer in written form.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Brainstorming on a Wiki is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteCould be useful for our library planning session coming up soon.
ReplyDeleteLove your contribution about Rhyme Time and the performance in August. Are wikis a good way of doing a little subtle advertising?!
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