Comments on: Student 2.0 and the wiki http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/ Here's my take on biotechnology Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:33:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Chris http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60312 Chris Thu, 23 Aug 2007 04:33:09 +0000 http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60312 I'll reproduce what I wrote on the lifehack site here. In science and math especially, wikis are just horrible ways to take notes. -------------------------------- Wikis will never catch on as notebook replacements for a couple of reasons: 1) Mathematical symbols are a pain in the ass to represent in wikis. By the time you get the appropriate symbols and formatting in, you’re three equations behind the professor. 2) Assuming you don’t have a fancy-pants tablet PC, there’s no way to copy diagrams off of the board. I suppose you could use a digicam or something if you were really dedicated, but syncing all the pictures up with the appropriate pages of the wiki would be more hassle that it’s worth. 3) Formatting is a pain in the ass to do in a wiki. When I’m taking notes, and there’s a REALLY important point, I might write it larger, underline it three times, or put a big star next to it. How do I do that quickly in a wiki? How do I connect concepts with an arrow, or write an aside in the margins? In my experience, wikis and other electronic note-taking tools have far too many disadvantages to make them viable alternatives to paper and a pencil. Sure, having a searchable archive of all my collegiate notes sounds great in principle, but ask students how often they really reference their notes from years ago, or even from the previous semester. (hint: it’s pretty close to never) Wikis are great for doing some things, but note taking is not one of them I’ll reproduce what I wrote on the lifehack site here. In science and math especially, wikis are just horrible ways to take notes.

——————————–

Wikis will never catch on as notebook replacements for a couple of reasons:

1) Mathematical symbols are a pain in the ass to represent in wikis. By the time you get the appropriate symbols and formatting in, you’re three equations behind the professor.

2) Assuming you don’t have a fancy-pants tablet PC, there’s no way to copy diagrams off of the board. I suppose you could use a digicam or something if you were really dedicated, but syncing all the pictures up with the appropriate pages of the wiki would be more hassle that it’s worth.

3) Formatting is a pain in the ass to do in a wiki. When I’m taking notes, and there’s a REALLY important point, I might write it larger, underline it three times, or put a big star next to it. How do I do that quickly in a wiki? How do I connect concepts with an arrow, or write an aside in the margins?

In my experience, wikis and other electronic note-taking tools have far too many disadvantages to make them viable alternatives to paper and a pencil. Sure, having a searchable archive of all my collegiate notes sounds great in principle, but ask students how often they really reference their notes from years ago, or even from the previous semester. (hint: it’s pretty close to never)

Wikis are great for doing some things, but note taking is not one of them

]]> By: Ricardo Vidal http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60278 Ricardo Vidal Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:03:10 +0000 http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60278 Well, I've only really seen two classes in session. And one of them was actually on one of MIT's OpenCourseWare videos. Lots of folks typing away. I've also seen alot of talk about techniques for taking notes in class on laptops. So I <em>assumed</em> it was common practice. Well, I’ve only really seen two classes in session. And one of them was actually on one of MIT’s OpenCourseWare videos. Lots of folks typing away.

I’ve also seen alot of talk about techniques for taking notes in class on laptops. So I assumed it was common practice.

]]> By: RPM http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60274 RPM Thu, 23 Aug 2007 01:58:27 +0000 http://my.biotechlife.net/2007/08/22/student-20-and-the-wiki/#comment-60274 <i>Although it’s not very common to use laptops in class at my university, I know that it is common practice at most universities in the US.</i> Your impressions of american universities isn't consistent with my experiences. Although it’s not very common to use laptops in class at my university, I know that it is common practice at most universities in the US.

Your impressions of american universities isn’t consistent with my experiences.

]]>