Wiki's in the classroom

Wiki’s in the classroom

In the Health Career classes, wiki use could be compared to a double edged sword. It doesn’t seem that editable content could be used safely in teaching body systems and functions. We cannot adjust written anatomy, and do not want new names and actions for our parts and the way they work. On the other hand, the soft skills that are so important in all careers could work easily and maybe be more effective than our current teaching practices. In the types of classes or programs that I teach, we are constantly seeking ways to reinforce the importance of documentation, appropriate practice and compassion. Using a wiki designed to allow the students to share experiences and how they worked through them could be so exciting! I can easily visualize a student that is looked up to in the class, responding to another student with advice on the situation or experience. IE: Students are always intimidated when they realize they are about to give their first patient a shower. Another student sharing how their first shower went, or how they got through the first shock of wrinkled, naked bodies and actually washing a live being could be very beneficial. This would help the instructor in sharing coping methods for intimidation and fear with future students as well, or open on online dialogue. Support during any kind of work or activity of daily living is beneficial to all. The idea of assisting the students to understand that their work is truly meaningful through unlimited feedback from their peers is really neat.
The expectation of the students would be to share their daily experiences during their clinical work on a weekly basis, using the wiki accounts set up in class, and to respond to several other students each week. The content of the wiki’s would include activities and emotions during the activities. Even something like, I had to change a bed pan today-so gross! I gagged” would elicit responses from others, and possible ways to handle the gross parts. The purpose of the assignment would be to create a dialogue of students sharing and developing coping skills for some of the emotional issues that often send teens into a world of drama.