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- A web page whose content can be edited by anyone who has been given editing privileges (without any knowledge of html or web design); wiki is located on host server, but can be accessed and edited using web browser from any computer connected to the Internet.
- All previous versions of the page are archived and can be viewed in the wiki history.
- All users have Internet connection; broadband connection not necessary (unless there are large files attached) but does reduce download and upload time. Example: Helen & Terrie's Wiki on Wikis
- Technology requirements: Computer with access to the Internet; browser.
- Examples of free wikis: Wikispaces, PeanutButterWiki,
- Examples of educational wiki: The Middle J Wiki (Bellaire PS in Geelong, Victoria, Australia)
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- For 2 or more people to co-construct a document asynchronously using any Internet browser. All users who have editing access to the wiki can edit any part of the wiki.
- Although not designed for this purpose, can be used in the same way as a discussion forum, but threading of the discussion has to be done manually, and any user has ability to change any portion of other users' posts.
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- Very easy to create and edit with no understanding of html or web page design.
- Efficient method of students sharing and organizing information.
- In addition to the text on the page, any type of digital file can be uploaded to and shared by linking to them from the wiki page.
- Can be open to the public for viewing and editing, or limited to specific individuals for viewing only or viewing and editing.
- Students can collaborate on assignments without having to meet synchronously.
- Avoids having one person assume responsibility for entering each student's contributions into the group paper/project.
- Students can build on each other's ideas
- Reduces the likelihood of having "free riders" who contribute little if anything to a group project, since the instructor (and other students) can refer to the wiki history, and see exactly what contributions were made by whom.
- Also using the page history, instructors can identify which students may be struggling with different concepts as well as which students are assisting those who are struggling.
- Students can use wikis for peer editing and peer feedback prior to submitting final assignments.
- If a wiki is public it enables students to have their work seen by others and gives them an authentic audience.
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- The simple design of the wiki and the need to keep formatting simple (so as to enable those unskilled in html to edit pages) limits the complexity of the documents that can be created in a wiki.
- Even though nothing can be destroyed in a wiki (as it can be retrieved from the wiki history), the original formatting is lost, meaning that it can be time consuming to recreate what was deleted.
- It is not always obvious what has been altered (unless users each agree to use a different color font, but this requires coordination of effort that can stifle the ease of use of the wiki.
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Issues & problems related to wikis |
- Requires shift in thinking about the whole notion of ownership (of what is written). Thus wikis that are open to a wide audience should not be used if author(s) want to retain control and credit for what is created.
- Important not to use wikis when the exact wording of original content needs to be retained (e.g. not appropriate to post transcript of podcast in a wiki).
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Emerging issues and tips related wikis |
- Wikis can enable students to receive feedback on their work if users insert comments at relevant places within the document. However, since it is difficult to use the history feature of wikis to compare the revised version with earlier versions, it is best to have students share their work in Microsoft Word and use the "track changes" feature so that the suggestions and changes are embedded in the relevant portions of the document without changing the original content.
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