[[Image:course1.jpg|thumb|300px|<b>Debbie</b> (CE Instructor), <b>Sandra</b> (Minister) and <b>Murray</b> (AVIT volunteer) are <i>"ready-to-roll"</i> to learn more about the Westminster Computer LabWIKIs!!! ]]

:'''The purpose of this "WIKI Article" is to help explain '''how promoting "online collaboration" through the use of WIKIs may help to <u>reduce </u> volunteer workload''', and to help build a customized online database on-line databases for church volunteering and operational -related activities that not only '''. In turn, these databases can be used to share with by the Westminster congregation and , by the Orangeville community, but with and used by the entire World. '''This article is based on this author's observations and professional experience when using online collaboration tools such as WIKIs'''.

:This tutorial will focus article is based on the possibilities this author's observations and advantages of collaborating over the Internet with the <u>most effective professional experience when using online collaboration tools</u>such as WIKIs.

==== YouTube Video ====

: '''If you want to see the visual steps for "Powering Up Computer Lab"a YouTube video discussing WIKIs, here is a link to a customized YouTube video: N[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY http://www.youtube.com/Awatch?v=-dnL00TdmLY]

==== Written Concepts ====

====A Little History and Perspective====

:'''The concept of collaborating on-line is <u>not</u> new'''. Even the predecessor to the Internet ('''ARPAnet''') which was developed by the U.S. military in the 60's was used using computer networking as a deterrent for an adversary defensive counter-measure to make the discourage a Soviet nuclear "first nuclear strike", thus creating . Out of this system rose the '''MAD doctrine''' (Mutually Assured Destruction). This, in turn, led to assisted in the reduction of nuclear arms and via non-proliferation treaties. In the 70s and 80s, there was a need for nuclear and rocket scientist to collaborate to advance nuclear missile research (since each department needed to see the "big picture" as opposed to only their particular contribution. It just do happened to be that '''these scientists worked in research organizations, universities and colleges, allowing instructors and students to start using those tools such as e-mail, and web-browsers accessing the World Wide Web'''.

:'''IronicallyIn the 70s and 80s, the mechanism that developed from there was a need for nuclear and rocket scientists to collaborate in order to advance nuclear missile research. These scientists needed a way see the "fear of warbig picture"as opposed to only their own particular contribution. Since these scientists worked in research organizations (universities and colleges), other participants, such as instructors and students, developed into an infrastructure had access to help to promote peace many of those collaboration tools such as e-mail, and helping non-graphical web-browsers to "bring people together"'''access the World Wide Web.:That is what would I call an unexpected but highly pleasant side-effect! :)

:Computer programmers, since the 70s, connected via computer networks to collaborate when creating software application, with very quick and efficient results. '''If the new catchThat is what I would call an unexpected but highly pleasant side-phrase "Working in the Cloud" applies to storing documents and editing them in "cyberspace", then this author has been "Working in the Cloud" since 1998 (long before this term was inventedeffect! :)...'''

:Since the early 70s, computer programmers collaborated via computer networks to develop software applications. The '''open-source'''This need collaborative model is considered to be the most cost-effective "connectbenchmark model" of developing software. In fact, it has now extended from educational institutions into our homes long been recognized that Linux is the largest on-line collaborative project in the World. '''If the new catch-phrase "Working in the Cloud" applies to storing documents and our everyday lives:editing them within the Internet, then this author has been "Working in the Cloud" since 1998 (long before this "catch-phrase" was invented)...'''

::*'''Smart phones''', '''Blackberries''', '''tablets''', etc.::*'''Checking e-mail''' on a daily basis.::*'''Checking weather conditions''' or '''checking school cancellations''' on web-pages.::*'''No longer a luxury, but rather an expectation, of wireless connectivity in public places''' (eg. McDonalds has now gone wireless).::*Feeling of '''"disconnection from World"''' if Internet service is down.  :'''This need to connect is further validated by the quick rapid growth of social media applications such as:'''

===The Wrong :Although these tools are very useful, they are limited in generating large volumes of data that can be edited by any viewer (transparency).:'''A WIKI supports both "Ties That Binddata storage"===and "open editing" which can be used to support "community-building"'''. 

===The Wrong "Ties That Bind"===[[Image:wikiMeeting.png|thumb|500px|'''Although many tools already exist for on-line collaborationWiki Meetings can be held over longer periods of time, many and allow busy individuals to contribute from the comfort of their own home'''. Minutes of them are not properly those meetings would automatically be documented online (no note-taker required). Wikis can also be usedto '''"better prepare meeting content or concerns" to help reduce face-to-face meeting time'''. ]]:'''Unfortunately, people are instinctively <u>hesitant</u> or used at all<u>protective</u> when faced with exposing their work or contribution to "public editing".'''.

::'''Nearly everyone uses eE-mailDependence'''

::'''Not all Social Media Works in the Same WayManner''':::''For example, '''Facebook ''' and '''Twitter ''' are useful for posting messages and keeping in touch with friends and events,<br />but they lack the ability to '''create and collectively edit''' ideas and document content in a transparent manner''.::'''Two-way Disconnection of Document generation Generation and editingEditing'''::: Documents involving word-processing, spreadsheets, and slide-shows are mainly edited "off-line", which '''requires more work downloading and uploading files'''. Although they may be posted to web-pages, '''those documents are not really considered real "living documents"''', but rather indicate instead they represent a "one-way flow" of information..Also, those '''documents usually become "out-of-date" very quickly, until those documents are downloaded, re-edited, saved, and uploaded'''.::'''Natural Disconnects to Online CollaborationInconsistent Perceptions''':::I would guess In my opinion, if I asked a random group of people '''what a WIKI was, eighty-five percent would not knowrespond, "What is a WIKI?"'''. On the other hand, if I asked that same group '''if I asked how many of them have used WikiPedia, eighty-five percent of them would respond , "yesYes"'''. If I asked how that same group '''how many people have added or edited content to Wikipedia on a Wikepedia topic, <u>less than a one tenth of a one percent</u> would respond , "yesYes"'''.

:'''In fact, without consciously knowing it we , most of us have been conditioned to avoid on-line collaboration:'''[[Image:wikiInstrucion.png|thumb|500px|'''WIKIs can be used to provide immediate up-to-date training procedures'''<br />(for example: computer lab startup/shutdown) ]]

:::''Ironically, people may see '''an Time-strapped individuals do not treat this "additional workloadlearning curve" incurred''' in the learningon-curve during their very busy-busy lives, '''but not realizing line collaboration as an investment that it will "pay-off" and will definitely reduce their workload''', not only for volunteer activities, but in their personal lives in the not-time (especially when applied todatabase building and remote time-distant future''flexible meetings).

:::People may find that they don't have much to offer on the wiki, but participation can be as simple such as correctly editing spelling and grammar. ''I believe 'Participation in that old sayinga WIKI could be considered a true form of democracy, as opposed to web-pages''' (where the only silly question is the one that is never asked..author can decide to post or delete comments).'''Churches are prime benefactors for on-line collaboration in order to support and build their congregation, "social outreach", and "social justice"'''. Everyone that participates has validity, and promoting community by encouraging participation has everything to do with a church!::'''Jotting notes with pen and pencilspencil'''

::'''Negative Reinforcement that collaboration On-line Collaboration is associated with cheatingCheating''':::''Students today are '''learning how to collaborate in order to be successful in their future lives'''. This directive has been adopted into student provincial school curriculum since this is the <u>skill </u> that business businesses and our society demands <u>demand</u> from our future citizens''. Unfortunately, older generations have not been exposed to the advantages of open-collaboration, and remain working in more traditional "off-line" forms of collaboration.::'''Negative Perceptions Among InstructorsOutdated Teaching Methods''':::In this rapid adjustment into the "information age"The youth are more comfortable and adaptable with on-line collaboration. Unfortunately, sometimes the students should be training the if instructorsfail to embrace newer technologies, and leave they may impede the instructor to focus on teaching timeless concepts such as '''critical thinking''', '''research techniques''' and '''team-building'''growth of their students. If properly utilized and monitored, '''instructors could be "leading the students by example" to prepare them to collaborate in a proactive manner to benefit societywhile at the same time enforcing classic concepts such as "critical thinking", their workplace"research", and their personal lives"citing sources (both on-line and off-line)"'''.

:::'''Trying to own a collaborative idea or concept can limit its growth or success'''. When people mention that I should copyright the <br />[http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/westminster/computerGuide_training.html "/Guide on the Side/" ] Computer Lab resource, I immediately respond, ''''"that would immediately destroy what I have created"''''. I adopt the attitude, ''''"what you give usually will come back ten-fold"''''. Instead of limiting that resource only to the Westminster Computer Lab, it should be freely available for to benefit the World to benefit. Many private interests are trying to compete to and control (what I consider) to be the next big wave which is online storage and document manipulation. Free software proponents such as '''Richard Stallman''' see the industry term '''"cloud computing"''' as nothing more than a '''"marketing gimmick"''' (Apple recently rolled-out its attempt called '''icloud''' was recently released from Apple). Many computer program developers have collaborated for decades decade<u>'''s'''</u> before the term "cloud computing" became fashionable...  

====Hidden Opportunity Costs====[[Image:On the other hand, computer tools (such as WIKIs to help promote on-line collaboration) can help increase the productivity and communication of its membershipcomputerResource. This author is a BIG BELIEVER in png|thumb|500px|'''Since WIKI contents are accessible via the Internet, elements can be "opportunity costswoven"into a comprehensive and customized resource'''<br />(for example: a web-page). ]]:'''These hidden costs Westminster United Church can "creep-survive without WIKIs'''. Technical aspects of this church (in terms of computers) only make up" that acts as "friction" to slow-down tiny elements of what the church does. In reality, it is the smooth operation <u>contribution</u> of projects the church <u>members</u> and communication'''<u>volunteers</u> that keep the church operating.

==="Unlock Those Chains": Collaborate Online===

:'''Eric S. Raymond''', the author of the book '''"The Cathedral and the Bazaar"''', compares on-line collaboration for computer software development as a '''"church bazaar", where the setup is not very fancy, but the work , enthusiasm, and the coordination of its among church members are key crucial to its success. The same thing could be said about promotion efficient collaboration for any project associated with Westminster United Church'''.

:'''Here is a site to a free WIKI host called "WikiSpaces: :''' [http://www.wikispaces.com/ http://www.wikispaces.com/] :Take advantage of the on-line features of this site to help to learn how to use a WIKI: ::''...No one will do the work for you''...

:Take advantage of the on-line features of this site :''...No one wants to help listen to learn how to use a WIKI"excuses"''...

===Resist the Temptation ::''...Learn how to be Shy===learn.''

:'''By allowing many individuals ====Resist the freedom Temptation to edit text will <u>accelerate</u> the quality of the article, tutorial, etc...'''be Shy====

==="Reduce:'''When allowing individuals the freedom to edit text at will, Reuse, Recycle"===the quality of the WIKI's content will naturally improve (most likely at a <u>rapid</u> pace).'''

===Has It Been Successful?="An Immediate Success"==

:'''Investing in WIKIs has allowed me this author not only to generate open-source learning content for Westminster United Church, but for anyone in the World that has a need for those these learning materials'''.

 :Many WIKIs that were created for the church have generated thousands of visits within a short period of time. The computer lab resource's You-Tube video statistics indicate an immediate need for open-source application training.  :Within two weeks from creating instructional YouTube videos, interest in some of these training resources have been noted from the '''By investing United States''', '''Europe''', '''Mexico''', '''South America''', '''Africa''', and the '''Middle East'''.</td>  <td>[[Image:YouTubeStats1.png|thumb|200px|The '''"File and Folder Management"''' YouTube video tutorial has been viewed in these type of technologies'''Mexico''', '''Europe''', I am happy it and '''Africa''' ]]</td><td>[[Image:youTubeStats2.png|thumb|200px|The '''"Freemind Mind-Mapping"''' YouTube video tutorial has become a success because I see not only been viewed in '''South America''' and in the church using '''Middle East''' ]]</td> </tr></table>[[Image:youTuveStats3.png|thumb|200px|right|The '''Pitivi Non Linear Video Editor''' tutorial has been viewed in the Computer Lab technology'''United States''', but '''South America''', '''United Kingdom''', '''France''', and '''Africa'''. ]] :'''Whether or not Westminster United Church embraces on-line collaboration, individuals from around the World are already benefiting from this self-directed learning resource'''. By taking an active interest the time to freely participate and contribute on-line, this online resource has already been a success within two weeks of its creation... that is how quickly things can happen in "Cyberspace" when using the correct online tools... this Computer Labisn't "the future"...'''this is the "here and now"... this is the reality...