Blog vs Wiki

Blogs and Wiki are both new forms of media where many can express themselves through writing and publishing their work. They often share the same characteristics. Both are writing tools that are accessible to any user. It is easily attainable, considering both are free online. But because they are easy to access, this allows anyone to edit and update the information. Regardless, these can be tools for students to express themselves and keep track of their studies. It helps students learn from other blogs and wiki pages. It also allows them to apply what they learned to their blogs and/or wiki. This way they can log in the information they attained. It is a good way to share what they learned and keep up with their studies or social movements, depending on blogs.

Although, they have many similarities, they also have contrasting characteristics. Unlike blogs, wiki has multiple editors and users. Blogs are usually a personal form of writing. It is bounded to one person, whereas wiki is open to anyone to add their inputs. Wiki also has a series of interlinks within the page; giving credit to websites where the information was acquired from. Blogs usually focus on one topic following a certain timeline, where as wiki have multiple pages with multiple topics. This is because wikis are usually facts and blogs are opinions. Wikis try to focus on objective information and blogs are more subjective, where the writers can express their own opinions on certain matters, such as makeup, fashion, societal issues, political issues, etc. The subjective idea also allows other to comment on the posts, creating conversation and promoting provoking thoughts. For wiki instead of commenting, many can go back and edit information which leaves room for errors. Wiki can be unreliable sometimes because anyone is allowed to edit.

The online article, Examples and Perspective that Form a Connected world, explains network convergence as “the process of merging existing network systems into a singular, multi-model communication platform that broadens use for users,” (Roland) This gives individuals the freedom to openly share and exchange thoughtful ideas. Not only is it an open space to share opinions, but many are able to learn for each other. Any information anyone needs to know can be found online and it’s crucial for individuals to have all the answers easily accessible. This also limits the need for textbook. The network is an important tool that is resourceful and became apart of daily life. Blogs and Wikis contribute to the convergence of network. They both are used as a learning tool and/or a form of entertainment for some. Even though blogs may sometimes seem as leisure activity, it can be a useful learning tool. It can be used in class as a way to practice different forms of writing. Along with blogs, wiki can be a used for educational purposes. Even though it is often edited, wiki adds interlinks of the websites used to create the wiki page. Students can use certain links for research projects. The opportunities for today’s network are endless.

Roland, Christy. “Network Convergence Examples and Perspectives -.” AT&T SHAPE Blog, shape.att.com/blog/network-convergence.

“Similarities and Differences.” Blogs & Wikis: New Education Tools? / Wiki Pros and Cons, meblog.pbworks.com/w/page/11074186/Similarities%20and%20Differences.

Medina, Cynthia. “Differences between Blogs, Wikis, and Discussion Boards.” Going Web 2.0, 1 Jan. 1970, goingweb20.blogspot.com/2007/11/difference-between-blogs-wikis-and.html.

“Directory.” The College of WOOSTER, www.wooster.edu/offices/web/how/scotblogs/wiki-blog/.