Wiki in the classroom

I was interested in the growing influence of Wiki as a collaborative educational tool in the classroom. Many educational institutions are turning to alternative means of interaction to improve the learning process.

Each student has a certain learning style that may not be conducive to a more traditional classroom environment . I personally feel that I am more effective learner when I am involved in a more collaborative learning environment that wiki provides. My own learning style is more tactile and oriented to the use of wiki as an educational tool. The classroom lecture and demonstration /application based learning is not particularly well suited to my natural abilities. Wiki or collaborative learning could bring alternative perspectives among a diverse array of students and enhance each student's educational experience.

Too often the online learning process can produce feelings of isolation between and among students. Wiki may be able to offer a means to crystalize understanding of class concepts, open the lines of communication between students, and enhance the bonds of a shared experience. An instructor's ability to communicate can be severely compromised in distance education and wiki may provide a more interactive means of breaking down those barriers which inhibit the learning process.

I am intrigued by the possibilities of the use of wiki not only in the classroom but to create a new market for library services