Wikis and Websites......the dot.com revolution

I've just created my Wiki and Website (soooooo much fun!) and will shortly add my SWOT analysis to both.  Check them out at the following links:


http://www.learnindesignintheclassroom.weebly.com/

http://toni72.wikispaces.com/

I hope I don't get repetitive, however, just so I've got my bases covered I'm going to do my SWOT analysis here and also put in onto my Wiki and Website.

As I am a visual learner, I've added this diagram of a SWOT analysis just keep me on track.

Wiki SWOT Analysis

Strengths - Collaborative, easy to edit, people anywhere can add to it, can communicate over long distance, develop a 'community of practice' by sharing ideas with like minded people

Weaknesses - Anyone can edit so information may become corrupted, needs constant organising as multiple contributions can cause it to become messy, some may be more adept with computers than others therefore they contribute more, conversely, people can also be lazy and let others do the work.

Opportunites - Students can create a wiki as an in-class project ie, school newspaper, can be used in class environment to encourage the sharing of ideas on various topics, contect with students from other parts of world to discuss ideas/issues ie. learn different cultures, home schooling keeping in touch with other parents to create an on-line network.

Threats - Not a secure site, can be password protected but can still be hacked into, if information becomes too corrupt  runs risk of becoming unuseable.

Website - PMI Analysis (Thought I'd use a different evaluating strategy)

Plus - Reach a mass audience; accessible anytime, anywhere; website creation tools like 'Weebly' make the design of a website simple for those who are not 'tech' savvy; can use animation, video, music etc to enhance the users 'experience'

Minus - Cost to maintain and create websites, with the exception of most educational websites, there is normally a cost involved dependant upon how complex the site; some information presented may not be reliable; the technology users have (iphone, PC etc) may crash

Interesting

• I think you would have to have some idea of the audience your website is reaching, some community members may be hesitant or totally unfamiliar with this kind of information sharing.  Therefore you've lost your intended audience before you've started.

I think wikis and websites are innovative ways to present ideas and share them with friends, family and the wider community.  Wikis as a research tool enable participants to learn and grow as part of a community of like-minded people and add their own insight thus extending the knowledge data base; websites offer on-line information on a particular topic as a 'get-what-you're-given' concept, in its simpliest form websites offer consistent information which may link to other sites or stand alone ie. like a brochure.  A website, unlike a wiki, does offer exciting ways to deliver the information eg. videos, music, flash players etc.