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Using a Wiki for Professional Communication and Collaboration Hugh Jack, Professor Grand Valley State University

Abstract

Since the inception of Wikipedia there has been a great interest in the open model of document development. However this model is not that different from what already exists in many profes- sional groups. In a professional group every member is welcome to contribute, but one individual is tasked with the secretarial duties of collecting, collating and recording communications, or cap- turing discourse during face-to-face meetings. These are often captured as minutes, letters, reports, and recommendations. These activities can be supported in a more free-flowing manner on a Wiki where anybody is welcome to add/modify/delete content, changes can be tracked, and undone when necessary.

This paper will describe the use of a Wiki to act as a central point for a professional group devel- oping new curriculum standards. The topics will include a prototype structure for the site, govern- ing principles, encouraging user involvement, and resolving differences of opinion.

Introduction

Through collaboration we able to produce more valuable works and share information. Tradi- tional barriers to collaboration include distance, time, and schedule. Tools that have been used to permit academic collaboration include conferences, meetings, working groups, and correspon- dence. While these work well there are previously unavailable opportunities presented by new technologies and methods. These new interactivity tools permit communication and collaboration in many forms.

The use of computers and the Internet quickly eliminate the barrier of distance. In addition they simplify various communication models such as,

- one-to-many - meeting invitations, information distribution, etc. - one-to-one - specific business items. - many-to-many - group discussions. - asynchronous - disconnected - forums and discussion groups when it is convenient for par- ticipants. - synchronous - tight time integration - on-line meetings, face-to-face

One prototypical approach to groupwork is establish a purpose, meet as necessary to develop con- tent, draft work, meet to review work, approve the work, and then disseminate. In this approach work or documents are often created in isolation, and the work is not available to the committee until a review. The final results are often unavailable to others until published. In summary some

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Jack, H. (2009, June), Using A Wiki For Professional Communication And Collaboration Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--5502