By: Kary | In: Discussion Boards, Web 2.0, Wiki, Blogging |
In one day, I received two emails from teachers wondering if they could have a ______________(blog or wiki - insert one). With both of these, it was difficult for the teacher to figure out which way to go…they didn’t even know there were other options, and didn’t understand the differences between them. So I decided to write a post that would help guide any teacher in the district in making this decision.
Blogs, wikis and discussion boards are each a Web 2.0 tool that provide for communicating, sharing, and online interaction. They are all similar in that they are easy to use, do not need special software or knowledge of programming languages to setup (teacher) or to use (teacher/students). Also, each of the three can be accessed from almost any browser and any operating system. In this post, I’ll compare each of the three options to help you decide which one would best fit your needs.
On one end of the spectrum is the BLOG. In general, a blog’s focus is controlled by one person or a small group of people. That person(s) controls the content and subject matter of the blog. The primary purpose of a blog is “conversation”, debate, exchange of ideas, journaling. Content is static and viewed chronologically. For the most part, comments are welcome, but not required.
On the other end of the spectrum is a WIKI. In general, a wiki is all about collaboration. Content is not controlled by one person, but the group. Content is never static because all members of the wiki have equal rights to edit, delete and add to the content on the site. The general goal of a wiki is to create a document that is collaborative.
Somewhere in the middle…and with its own unique form, are DISCUSSION BOARDS. The terms “discussion board”, “message board”, and “forum” are generally referring to the same thing. Like a wiki, the control of content and subject matter is controlled by the group. There is not one owner or author. Each member of the DB can post and comment. Unlike a blog, commenting on posts by the group is essential for the success of the board. A DB is similar to a blog in that each post is static. One cannot edit or delete the content written by another (like with a wiki). Similar to a blog, on a DB someone posts a question or opinion, and others either answer the question or provide their comments and/or opinions relating to the original post. Content is usually not viewed chronologically, but grouped via themes or subjects. Content (posts and subsequent comments) are usually threaded in that they are attached to one another like in a long thread.
Obviously, the end result of your blog, wiki or discussion board might look a little different than the ideas suggested above. So which do you choose and why? Below is a side-by-side comparison to help.
|
Blogs |
Wikis |
Discussion Boards |
|
| Content Ownership | One person or a small group of persons | Content is owned by all members of the wiki | Content is owned by the group and particiaption by all is imperative for the success and interest of the board |
| Focus | Stimulates dialog | Supports collaboration | Stimulates dialog, but more importantly, provides support and answers |
| Content | Static - others can comment on the post, but cannot change it | Not Static - anyone can change, edit, delete or add to the content written by another | Static - anyone can post, but the content can not be changed or edited. Posts rely on the feedback or comments provided by others. |
| Best For | Journals, conversations, opinion, reflection | Collaborative documents {Book, short stories, guidelines, rulebook, technology plan, etc.} | Focused sharing of ideas where anyone can start a topic. {Homework help, book discussion, support forum etc.} |
