Wikis in Education

John Maklary

What is a Wiki?

A wiki (quick in Hawaiian) is a simple web-based tool that allows users to easily create web pages from any internet-connected computer. It also allows for collaboration with peers and colleagues through group editing and comments. The following video, courtesy of Common Craft, explains how a wiki works to foster a collaborative work environment.

Why use a wiki in education?

• Easy to create and edit, both for teachers and students, from virtually anywhere.
• Allows for central repository for information based on a central topic.
• Facilitates textual collaboration among peers and colleagues to promote expanded understanding.
• Promotes feedback, editing and corrections..easy to fix mistakes.
• Can control access for viewing and editing.
• Excellent resource for creating digital portfolios.

Jon Orech recently wrote an article for Tech and Learning that briefly explains wikis and their uses in an educational setting.

Wiki Examples

Mister Mak's Wiki - example of a teaching/professional development site

Wiki with the Saints - example of student work repository

Examples of Educational Wikis 

Free Wiki Sites

PBWiki

WetPaint

Wikispaces

Resources

Wiki Walk-Through

Wiki Wisdom: Lessons for Educators

Assignments

Wiki Homepage