Collective writing: Difference between revisions
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== Definition == | |||
It is an example of [[collective intelligence]] or [[social computing]], because you are collaborating with others in order to have a better performance. Group projects have always existed but with the new technologies they have become easier to organize and develop. | |||
(For a deeper insight on writing as a cognitive tool see [[Writing-to-learn]] ) | |||
== Tools and Software == | == Tools and Software == | ||
There are many [[writing tool]]s that can be used for collective writing. | There are many [[writing tool]]s that can be used for collective writing. They allow people working on the same project to contribute from anywhere and at any time. | ||
* Standard wordprocessors offer collective writing features. | |||
* [http://www.Writely/com Writely.com] A Google project which lets you save and work online on documents and spreadsheets so that you, and whoever you choose, can always keep them updated. | |||
* [http://www.writeboard.com/ Writeboard]is another website which lets you save documents online and gives the possibility of updating them from wherever you want, comparing changes and having different people working on the same project. | |||
* [[Wiki]]s, in particular systems like mediawiki that are currently developping models to prepare printed books (e.g. [[ManageMediaWiki#Wiki_readers_.28books.29 | Wiki readers]]) | |||
* [[Blog]]s as well can be used for group projects and are very useful for online discussions. | |||
As pointed out by the Washington University, these applications are transforming the Internet from a means of uploading and gathering information to a means of collaboration. | |||
== Advantages == | |||
Collective writing can be very useful at two levels: | |||
* at a group level, because the possibility of adding new ideas and editing each others’ work leads to a better developped topic; | |||
* at a personal level, because contributors are stimulated to use precise language, express their ideas concisely but clearly; this involvement, often leading to a greater interest in the topic, may in the end result in a better learning. | |||
== Disadvantages == | |||
In order to take part in a collective writing project you need to know at least some basic technical skills, first of all typing (writing in italics and bold for example) and all the essential features of a word processor; you can then go on and increase your knowledge to use more difficult applications (for example you need to know a little bit of HTML language to be able to edit wiki pages). People who are not very good with computers might feel a bit under pressure and they risk to concentrate more on “how-to-write” than on “what-to-write”. | |||
== Links == | == Links == | ||
Revision as of 09:50, 23 April 2007
This article or section is currently under construction
In principle, someone is working on it and there should be a better version in a not so distant future.
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Definition
It is an example of collective intelligence or social computing, because you are collaborating with others in order to have a better performance. Group projects have always existed but with the new technologies they have become easier to organize and develop.
(For a deeper insight on writing as a cognitive tool see Writing-to-learn )
Tools and Software
There are many writing tools that can be used for collective writing. They allow people working on the same project to contribute from anywhere and at any time.
- Standard wordprocessors offer collective writing features.
- Writely.com A Google project which lets you save and work online on documents and spreadsheets so that you, and whoever you choose, can always keep them updated.
- Writeboardis another website which lets you save documents online and gives the possibility of updating them from wherever you want, comparing changes and having different people working on the same project.
- Wikis, in particular systems like mediawiki that are currently developping models to prepare printed books (e.g. Wiki readers)
- Blogs as well can be used for group projects and are very useful for online discussions.
As pointed out by the Washington University, these applications are transforming the Internet from a means of uploading and gathering information to a means of collaboration.
Advantages
Collective writing can be very useful at two levels:
- at a group level, because the possibility of adding new ideas and editing each others’ work leads to a better developped topic;
- at a personal level, because contributors are stimulated to use precise language, express their ideas concisely but clearly; this involvement, often leading to a greater interest in the topic, may in the end result in a better learning.
Disadvantages
In order to take part in a collective writing project you need to know at least some basic technical skills, first of all typing (writing in italics and bold for example) and all the essential features of a word processor; you can then go on and increase your knowledge to use more difficult applications (for example you need to know a little bit of HTML language to be able to edit wiki pages). People who are not very good with computers might feel a bit under pressure and they risk to concentrate more on “how-to-write” than on “what-to-write”.
Links
References
- Carol L. Winkelmann, Electronic literacy, critical pedagogy, and collaboration: A case for cyborg writing (1995), Computers and the Humanities, Volume 29, Number 6, 431 - 448.
- Gunkel, David (2000) We Are Borg: Cyborgs and the Subject of Communication. Communication Theory 10(3) Abstract/PDF (Access restricted)