Collating

Collating tools are those that unite the work of multiple users on a common theme, usually for the length of a particular project. The result is something akin to a web site.

In terms of a final product there is not much difference in appearance between a Wiki and a **Google Site**. Their functionality and creative processes are fairly similar and neither offer real time collaboration. Multiple people can work simultaneously but not on the same page - if multiple people do work on the same page the changes made by the person last to save are the ones that stay, the rest are overwritten.

In terms of a collaborative tool I am selecting a Wiki as the preferred tool in this category with **Wikispaces** as the preferred wiki site mainly due to its long time **support for education** by providing ad free wikis for educational purposes. I find Wikispaces' functionality very intuitive with a simple but effective file structure that is easy to set up and use. Its editing tools are basic but with enough scope for creativity. It integrates well with other web 2 tools creates a good user experience.

The main collaborative advantage of a wiki is the Discussion feature which allows all to have their say within that shared space. We will now examine how we can **collaborate in a wiki** set up for class use.

A wiki can be used as a collaborative tool for a single class or multiple classes anywhere in the world for a wide variety of purposes within the following basic categories:

1. Project based learning around a central theme 2. Building an information resource 3. Sharing and discussing ideas 4. A class website or community space


 * Examples of Educational Wikis** - a large listing of educational wikis in alphabetical order

media type="custom" key="9603978" align="center"


 * What is the difference between a blog and a wiki?**

A blog is most like an online journal which is updated regularly with articles that are mostly the opinion of the author with the capacity for readers to comment on the blog postings. Blogs tend to be used by individuals and organise posting in reverse chronological order. Popular blog hosting sites include: **Blogger**, **Edublogs** and **Wordpress**.

A wiki (Hawaiian word for fast) is usually designed for group use with each member having equal editing rights making it a more collaborative environment. The organisational structure of the wiki is more flexible and can incorporate multiple pages for differing purposes. Wikis have a discussion feature which incorporates some of the functionality of a blog. Popular wiki farms include **Wikispaces**, **Wetpaint** and **PBworks**.


 * LiveBinders** is an effective tool for collating resources that can be shared with colleagues, students and parents. **This blog post** is a good introduction to the educational potential of LiveBinders.



There are numerous good examples of the educational use of LiveBinders under the Featured Binders tab. **This blog post** is an interesting summary of using LiveBinders in Science and Math education.