Obstacles+and+Barriers

As we prepare to enter a new modality of teaching it is reasonable that we should expect to run into obstacles and barriers, both within the classroom and outside the classroom. To help prepare for successful outcomes it may be a good exercise to try to identify what some of these obstacles and barriers before they arrive. Although we may not be able to identify every obstacle and barrier, if we share our thoughts and concerns we may be able to begin formulating solutions and tools to break down the barriers. I once read that there were three ways to deal with barriers, using a closed, locked door as the example of a barrier. One, collaborate to unlock the lock and turn the handle, then walk through. Two, strong-arm the door and knock it down. Or, three, go around it.
 * Introduction:**

Some of the obstacles that we identify may, in truth, not really be new to the classroom environment and the solutions may be the same as in a traditional classroom. The thing with technology is that these "events" usually occur much faster. So, I feel we should at least attempt to identify as many potential issues now so at least everyone can begin to formulate ideas on how to address them.

//Below are some examples of obstacles and barriers that found in my research. Please add any additional you may have. Also, feel free to provide suggestions for the classroom teacher on how to address these issues.//

1. Wikis conflict with traditional assumptions about authorship and intellectual property. Look at the examples of textbooks where several authors collaborate to the published work. List all contributors as authors to the wiki page.
 * Suggested Solutions:**

2. Students are sometimes reluctant to contribute to Wikis because they lack confidence in their writing, they worry about not receiving credit for contributions, or they do not like their ideas, words, contributions being revised or deleted without consent.
 * Suggested Solutions:**

3. Some teachers and students are uncomfortable about the advantages and disadvantages of public writing.
 * Suggested Solutions**:

4. Some technology averse students do not like having to learn how to use wikis and/or find even the relatively simple steps for editing or posting work daunting.
 * Suggested Solutions**:

5. Because Wikis are not presentation software, use of visuals and design options are limited. I have recently learned how to embed presentations into the wiki. Embedding "widgets" is expanding everyday so visuals, media clips and ppt can be added with relative ease.
 * Suggested Solutions**:

6. Although selecting "restore" to replace content that was inavertently deleted or intentionally hacked is easy, the editing process is nonetheless a hassle.
 * Suggested Solutions**: