Lesley Anderson

Wiki and Moodle design

Using your CSU Interact wiki or other wiki experience and your
short experience as a Moodle member, answer the following:

c. Is the presence of likeable features also a combination of the design tips for
usability, sociability and sustainability, as advocated by Preece and Kim in earlier topics?

c. The presence of likeable features in Moodle and Wiki software are inextricably combined with the design tips for usability, sociability and sustainability  outlined by Preece and Kim.
If a user is faced with complications or problems accessing a social network, if the navigation is cumbersome or information hidden under layers they will more than likely not use it or certainly be deterred from doing so.  It is not unusual to hear from users that they don’t “like” a particular piece of software or a social networking site because their experiences have been difficult either with installation or attempts at use. Personally, I am a user who needs to see a purpose in something before I begin to use it or investigate it further.  For example, I am new to Facebook and Second Life (amongst a lot of other social networking sites) since beginning this course. I am able to see a purpose for using Facebook to connect with others in my selective personal, community. I can see a purpose for it professionally - as an easily accessed and navigated discussion site or repository for ideas.
My experiences with Second Life are different. The download was massive, I had problems with installations and ensuring my system was tweaked just right. I know some people think it is amazing, and the concept is, it just doesn’t appeal to me and I believe I can use the resources I have more productively and connect with with much less fuss and bother.  I realise it is a popular site and that its popularity will sustain it until the next “big thing” comes along but I found it wasn’t for me.
I can see a purpose for the likes of  Moodle and Wiki. I recognize how people can access and understand these spaces quickly and effectively. I have experienced the ease with which the software can be used to create, moderate and participate in learning groups, utilising tools and activities  which support the needs and styles of like-minded members to easily share ideas, information and learning. All these likeable aspects of these social networking software are aspects of usability and sociability that blend to create a SUSTAINABLE community of users.