Wiki or Blog: Which is Better?

Both wikis and blogs provide teachers with a a dynamic process for integrating Web 2.0 technology in their science and math classes. These two types of online tools offer students a more engaging process for learning.

Both are relatively easy tools which do not require teachers or students to learn any special program tools or computer skills. Their uses and applications are only limited by the vision and purpose for helping students learn.

Which One: Points to Ponder in the Selection Process

Let’s take a look at the selection process. The following are points to consider about both.

Blogs – Why do you think a blog is better to use with your students?

Consideration for subject teaching. Providing hints and tips, along with links to resources such as problems of the week or math projects may mean a blog is better suited for math. On the other hand, if the purpose is to provide information and resources without student interaction – then a blog is best, regardless the subject.

Consideration must be on how to establish privacy options and commenting rules? All information on a blog is accessible by anyone on the Internet. Consideration must be given to confidentially rules and ensuring students use an assigned code when submitting comments.

Consideration of time – blogging consumes time, although less time than a wiki. How much time do you have to commit?

Wikis – Why do you think a wiki is better to use with your students?

Consideration for who owns the information on the wiki, especially since it is a collaborative effort. This must be stipulated on the wiki for all to read – for example establishing a Creative Commons License.

Consideration for student group interaction – there may be a need for setting boundaries and rules for collaboration.

Consideration for privacy is not an issue. Teachers can limit access to a wiki to students only or both students and parents. Teachers can also limit access to selected areas of a wiki. One example is students in one class section cannot view the work of other class sections.

Consideration for time – wikis require more time for implementation and moderating than a blog.

A Comparison

When selecting a wiki or blog, two factors separate them. A wiki typically results in a product created and used by many. While a blog is a process, which results in a product created by one and used by many.

Blog - let’s take a look at the blog process:

Single author – personal viewpoint

Information on a blog is static

Opinions offered by the author

Links are provided to outside resources or other posts

Chronological content, i.e., posts, comments, responses to comments

Comments provided by readers

Posts are designed to offer information sharing, how to, cause critical thinking, or show a change in thinking

Wiki - let’s take a look at why a wiki is considered a product:

Multiple authors – a collaborative view or sharing of information

Information is webbed among the users – knowledge sharing

Page(s) are edited or changed and new pages can be added anytime

Links to outside resources or other pages

Synthesis of collected information gathering and research

Construction of knowledge by authors

Shows change in writing by authors

Option for many pages which are topic or content specific

Moderated by teacher

Since both offer low cost or free options – wikis for education (WikiSpaces or PBWiki) and blogs (Edublogs, WordPress, or Blogger) – this factor are not addressed.

The Benefits

Both offer benefits for teachers and students and include:

Supports the development of writing skills

Diverse perspectives and communication

Motivation authors and students

Engagement of authors and students

Supports higher order thinking skills

Teachers – specific ease of use benefits include:

Posting of assignments, course guide or syllabus, projects, announcements (wikis)

Advice, resources, and guidelines (blogs)

Ease of communication with parents (wikis)

Assignment submission by students (wikis)

Class and lab safety rules (wikis)

Sign-up sheets (wikis)

Students – specific ease of use benefits include:

Reflections on assignments (blog)

Sharing of information, resources, or links (blog or wiki)

Synthesis of Research (wiki)

Reflective Journal (wiki)

Writing Journal (blog or wiki)

E-Portfolio (wiki)

Regardless if you select a wiki or blog for your class, the important points to consider are it must have a specific purpose and strategies for engaging students.

Whichever one you select to use – wiki or blog, the time is right as you close out this school year and have the summer to build a dynamic blog or wiki in preparation for next year.

If you already have experience with one or both, consider sharing lessons learned with other readers.