Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Wikis, a form of website increasingly popular since the inception of Wikipedia, are breaking new ground. Little scholarly research has investigated wikis and the potential for public relations. This study investigates how two health wikis (wikihealth.com and health content on wikipedia.com) facilitate dialogic principles. The two wikis exhibited the principles of dialogic public relations more than other non-wikis. Additionally, correlations were found between being dialogic and website value and commitment to future usage.

Publication Type: Session Paper
Abstract: Many people are surprised that Wikis work at all, when they find out that anyone can edit any content. Won't people disagree over content, fight to express their point of view, even senselessly vandalize useful articles? Yes, yes, and yes, yet Wikipedians still produce a large number of useful articles on topics as controversial as abortion and as vanilla as chocolate--except that even for chocolate, bitter disputes arise.

I will give an overview of research and stories around Wikipedia and related projects, with the goal of understanding the conditions under which wiki technologies are likely to succeed in producing useful outcomes in the face of conflict, especially around political topics. Effective wiki collaboration relies on a mix of social norms, community policies, technical tools, and shared purpose. To the extent that political discourse communities can establish these requirements, wikis are likely to be useful in conducting such discourse.

Publication Type: Single Paper Format
Abstract: With Internet II, participants can write to the web page. This has
tremendous opportunities for classroom teachers. . . for both their
students and in their personal life with family and friends.
Participants will explore these two concepts, their differences and
see how to create each using free web resources.

Publication Type: Session Presentation
Abstract: Learners collaborate and reinforce their language and culture skills using ‘wiki’. This presentation describes ‘A to Z’ and ‘Newsletter’ projects which allow learners to collaborate and provide each other with feedback. The presentation will show how the 5 Cs of the Standards (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Community) are implemented.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The growing diffusion of new media raises questions about people’s ability to appropriate new technologies for their empowerment. While information technologies (IT) have become a staple of adolescents’ lives, we know very little about general trends in the use of specific types of services. We also have no information at an aggregate and generalizable level about how young people are incorporating IT into their everyday lives. This paper examines the relationship between the increasing spread of information technologies and social inequality. Based on original data about a diverse group of young adults’ Internet uses, the paper shows that even among members of the wired generation, considerable differences exist when it comes to everyday uses of the Internet. The paper ends with a discussion of what these findings imply for social inequality.