Blogs and Wikis as Instructional Tools: A Social Software Adaptation of Just-in-Time Teaching

Abstract

Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) methodology uses Web-based tools to gather student responses to questions on preclass reading assignments. However, the technological requirements of JiTT and the content-specific nature of the questions may prevent some instructors from implementing it. Our own JiTT implementation uses publicly and freely available Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs and wikis and discipline-neutral preclass questions. Our approach helps to foster deep, conceptual understanding of course material while helping to create learning environments that align with Bransford et al's (2000) four "centrisms" that describe successful learning environments.