MLA CE WEEK 2

Greetings Again:

The subject of this second post is Wikis. I have created a wiki covering my favorite hobby: hiking. The link to this wiki (Bay Area Hiking) is located at the bottom (left) of this page.

Wikis are very different from blogs. Blogs tend to be more focused on the opinions of their creators and seem ideal as a vehicle for sharing views and opinions on particular topics. Wikis can be used to share information among a number of readers. Unlike blogs, they invite reader participation in the modification of the topic under consideration. Readers can comment upon the information in discussion forums, add or eliminate information, and rewrite and reshape the content of the site. In this way the information is molded by the input of numerous readers over time. This iterative process transforms that which is presented into a product that meets the specific needs and characteristics of the group creating it. While this can have great functional applicability, one must remember that information so generated is subject to strong biases that belong to its creators.

This seems highly suited for any activity that involves coordinated efforts of many individuals who are working towards some common purpose. This might involve planning a meeting or event, updating policies and procedures, editing an article for publication, developing or revising course content, or perhaps, sharing information among hobbyists.

I can see the utility of this approach, in that, it provides for a diverse opinion in the development and shaping of content related to a specific task, goal, or interest. It does require the input of a number of individuals to be fully effective. Wikis might encourage some individuals to participate more fully than they otherwise would if participation means taking time to attend meetings or voicing one's opinion in the midst of opposition.

In my small community hospital, I do not believe the staff would use this as a means of communication. For the kinds of activities we are involved in ie., CME Planning, IRB activities, Medical Staff Meetings, etc., it is easy to plan and conduct small group meetings at appropriate times to resolve any issues or provide input needed to complete these tasks. Larger institutions with individuals at various locations on a campus might find this a highly effective tool for completing projects in a timely fashion.