Blog and Wiki Tools
Group work in an online class is always encouraged. It is a way to make students feel that they are connected to other members of the class and not working in isolation. In Fall 2006, Blog and Wiki tools were added to Blackboard to enrich the group learning experience. These tools were created by a third party vendor (Learning Objects) and added to Blackboard to enhance the core tool set.
The Blog tool provides a space for students to reflect on a reading assignment or class activity. A student's work may then be shared only with the instructor or with the entire class.
The Wiki tool allows for group collaboration in a single work space. Instructors may limit access to the site to defined groups in Blackboard or open the site to all members of the class. In the past it has been a challenge to know who contributed to the group project. This new tool provides the instructor and students with a method to view collaboration efforts.
Both, the Blog and Wiki tools are listed as options on the course Tools menu or they may be listed as links in any course content area. The Course Blog and Wiki tools are most effective when used for semester based projects that benefit the entire class. The Blog and Wiki edit options are listed in a side navigation panel. Use these links to add or edit content in the web space.
