CREATING BLOGS AND WIKIS

This text was written by Robert Godwin-Jones from Virginia Comonwealth University. He classifies as First-Generation web and Second-Generation Web. First, there is an introduction part which mentions the opportunities that internet provides for people. First-Generation Web includes asynchronous and synchronous tools, and Second-Generation Web includes blogs, wikis, and RSS. Asynchronous tools are no longer used but e-mails are still used in classroom environment. As e-mail programs have formatted text and graphics, they are more attractive. Also, the features of e-mails are described and how they work is explained. In synchronous tools part, chat is seen as an effective communication tool. Instant messaging and its benefits in education are explained.
In the Second-Generation Web, firstly blogs are introduced in a detailed way. They can be created both by individually or by groups. We can say it is an online journal in some way. You can publish your writings, pictures or videos. So it can be used for educational purposes by publishing journals, articles, essays, etc. However, blogs are more limited than RSS and Wiki. They can be organized chronologically but they can not be organized according to their content. RSS provides much information from more different sources. Wikis also provide a collaborative environment because you can reach more people. Blogs are created by one person or a group but the content can be modified by everyone on Wikis. Wikis are free of charge, so everyone can create by just signing up. I think Wikipedia is one of the most known Wikis. Everybody can share his knowledge and can make changes on Wikis. In conclusion, it provides more interaction and collaboration between people while using or sharing the knowledge.