Communication Students Collaborate Through Wiki

Students in Robyn Bergstrom's Communication classes used an online technology called Wiki for their paper refinement and upgrading. Over the course of the class, students write their papers, post them on Wiki, and have their peer groups analyze and write feedback that will help to improve the paper.

Wiki is a program that can be attached to I-Learn, and it makes it easier for the students to get together and analyze each other's work. Instead of getting into a group on their own time and configuring to each other's schedules, Wiki allows students to have a discussion at any time and place. Bergstrom states, "Their writing has definitely improved, and it makes things easier for me because by the time the paper is actually submitted it is much more polished than it would be prior to Wiki."

Submitting the paper, receiving critical help, and ultimately receiving a better grade are great for any student. "Those who've tried the new tools have been excited about it," Bergstrom said, "My students have been really excited about the Wiki tool."

Heath Harrison, a student from one of Sister Bergstrom's Communication classes stated, "I think the thing I liked about it the most was the flexibility.  It allowed me to engage in great discussions when I had time in my schedule. If everyone had to meet at a physical location and have a discussion, it would be a nightmare working out everyone's schedules. But when everyone has the opportunity to post their comments when they want, it allows for discussions that otherwise might not take place."

In regards to this new technology Sister Bergstrom was enthusiastic, "I really enjoy it, and it's a great addition." During the interview, she expressed how the students found it incredibly easy to comprehend the new technology and how quickly they caught on to the new idea of online peer review.