Regarding Dave Mac Ewan’s Presentation on Using Skype/Wikis to Coordinate a Research Project
Published by Steve May 16th, 2006 Tags: facultyacademy2006, skype, wikis.Dave worried about his students’ unwillingness to use Skype in conjunction with the research wiki, as he had planned. But if they used IM and cell phones for real time collaboration and it worked, what’s the problem? One of the things I’ve discovered with wikis is that they never end up the way I had planned. That’s okay, since the students used the wiki to work effectively for them. Isn’t that the point?
Just my 2 cents,
- Steve
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I think it’s just an inherent fear of the unknown. Another example would be the switch from land-line phones to primarily cell-phones — same goal, different application. There’s always a degree of apprehension involved with anything new, especially when it comes to technology.
In fact, the students did use Skype, they just didn’t like to. Steve’s point is well taken, using the IM function or even cell phones probably would be better, though I think I’ll give Skype one more try. I’m not sure Joe, that there was too much apprehension on the part of the students (they’re a pretty savvy group) but just what they get used to using and its hard to break old habits. In general though, you’re right as I’ve found out trying to apply the concurrent use of a wiki for use by my department members. I thought it would be nice to do things like form and perfect motions before they are actually brought to the meeting - some use it some hate it.