Advantages and Disadvantages Using Blog Wiki Within Blackboard

Advantages and Disadvantages Using Blog Wiki Within Blackboard

What are some advantages and disadvantages of using the blog and wiki collaboration tools, which are available within Blackboard (BB), vs. using these tools as a URL/Link within THE BB that takes the learner to an external blog or wiki outside of Blackboard.

In response to the above question Blackboard (BB) has the following collaborative tools already set up for use. All these comments are based on the premise that these tools are used in an educational environment. The BB offers a discussion board, with a common use description for online discussions that are organized hierarchically with forums, threads and replies. Another tool is a Blog, which in common use terms is a shared online diary for use in educational course work. Next, is called a Wiki, which is a collaborative space where students can view, contribute and edit content. An advantage is all these tools are available to all registered students for learning. All working collaboratively to share ideas, documents, video in a cloud based classroom environment.

On the other hand, PBW.com (PBW) provides an educational environment similar to Blackboard. The main collaborative tool offered is like The BB a Wiki. This collaborative space has similar advantages to The BB in its function ability and access through computer, smartphone or tablet. One aspect of PBW is that all posts are not private as in the case of The BB. PWB posts can be searched over the internet via Google.com and the content is open reading. Privacy settings are available on PWB, but the server owner may grant all work open access for searches.

In general, the BB appears to be all one package specifically, a discussion board, Blog, Wiki, Journal is set up for the student. PBW relies on the wiki and an administrator’s/ owner’s ability to manipulate the wiki in the settings. Also, access online using multiple devices revealed several differences in presentation. In my opinion PWB was not user friendly on smaller devices like tablets, and smartphones. The viewable area was poor. While The BB was slightly better both seem to best suited to computer size screens. Overall The BB won my comparison of collaborative tools because of familiarity and the elements are already laid out for a student.

Advantages and Disadvantages Using Blog Wiki Within Blackboard