Wikis

Wikis

Wikis are online documents that can be edited by multiple authors. Wikis allow us to play both the role of reader and writer. They give us the opportunity to collaborate across geographical boundaries. Similar to blogs they allow us to make links to websites and integrate video and audio files. While blogs are written and then published, wikis are continuosly on-going pieces of work that can be edited by one person or multiple people.

Wikis have many different privacy levels; the creator can set them as private (only edited and viewed by a selected community), protected (public viewing but only edited by private community), or public (anybody can view and edit). This ability enables teachers with a great tool in monitoring access to student and classroom information.

Wikis have many uses in the classroom: - A space for literacy collaboration and discussion - Easy, simple websites for group or individual projects - Peer review and editing forums for students work - Brainstorming and planning opportunities - A space for constantly updated links and resources for students

It is obvious that wikis have great positives in promoting collaborative work amongst students and introduces them to a new forum for planning, creating and presenting ideas and opinions. However while wikis may be new tools that can be used in literacy programs and as forums for presenting work, they are not automatic and there needs to be strong instructional and scaffolded learning that takes place for students’ to properly use them (Woo, Chu, Ho & Li, 2011).

The links below have been included to provide educational information and advice on how to use Wikis in the classroom. There are also great free sites to create your own classroom Wikis on, as well as links to other educational wikis for inspiration.

Wikispaces: A great site to create your own class wiki. Has an educational upgrade package which is free. (You are currently viewing this wiki on wikispaces)

[|Wikis in Education]: This site also enables you to create your own classroom or educational wiki. It has great information on how to set one up and the ways to use it in your class. Also has links to other class/student wikis to give you ideas and inspiration.

[|Wikis vs. Blogs]: A wonderful source of information on Wikis and Blogs. Explains when to use both and how to set one up for your classroom.

E-Learning Otago: This is a wiki created by our very own lecturer Andrea Robertson. It is an excellent wiki organized into each curriculum area, with links and tools on how to incorporate e-learning into lessons.

Educational Software: This is a comprehensive wiki that covers a wide range of Web 2.0 tools. If you look under the Online Tools section you will find a wide range of great tolls that can be used in multiple areas of your classroom. If you're ever looking for a new way to incorporate ICT in your classroom, check here!