wikis

Wikis

The Wikipedia definition of a Wiki is:
"A **wiki** is a website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web-pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a text editor. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users. Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note services. The software can also be used for personal notetaking." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki, 6/29/2011).

The history of the name is quite interesting, because the word Wiki actually comes from a Hawaiian name for a shuttle bus company (Wiki Wiki Shuttle) which apparently has very "Quick" buses, and Wiki means QUICK!

**Creater Ward Cunningham's Definition:**
"//The simplest online database that could possibly work.// Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has a simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslinks between internal pages on the fly. Wiki is unusual among group communication mechanisms in that it allows the organization of contributions to be edited in addition to the content itself. Like many simple concepts, "open editing" has some profound and subtle effects on Wiki usage. Allowing everyday users to create and edit any page in a Web site is exciting in that it encourages democratic use of the Web and promotes content composition by nontechnical users" ([], 6/30/11).

__**Attributes/Features**__

 * Allows users to edit or create pages
 * Ability to embed or link to resources
 * public web space
 * Allows for multiple users/collaborators
 * ===Watch this Video so what Features some people like about Wiki []===
 * Collaborators do no have to be in the same place at the same time

There are many advantages to using a Wiki.
 * It is easy to use.
 * Many people from different areas are able to log onto their computer and add or take away information so that it is easily used as a collaborative tool.
 * The tool can be set up so that only certain people may edit the wiki.
 * provide links to other sites dedicated to the same topic
 * Teachers and students can have access to a "History" tab to create a editing trail

(http://wikieducator.org/Wikieducator_tutorial/What_is_a_wiki/Advantages_and_disadvantages, 6/29/11)

__**Disadvantages**__
There also disadvantages of using a Wiki.
 * The user must have internet capability.
 * Many people from different areas are able to log onto their computer and add or delete information,therefore it is difficult to ensure confidentiality.
 * There is no "chat" feature to allow for communication between members

(http://wikieducator.org/Wikieducator_tutorial/What_is_a_wiki/Advantages_and_disadvantages, 6/29/11)

Wikis can be used many different ways in the classroom.
> (this is especially nice if a teacher uses numerous Web 2.0 tools. Hyperlinking is much easier than typing in a long web address.)
 * A group research project
 * A review session
 * Working with other classes around the world.
 * Write a book.
 * Share data
 * Student Created study/review guides
 * Teachers can create a Wiki so that they have a central location for students to find all of their "stuff"

This website contains [|50 ideas for Wikis in the classroom]!!!

__**Individual Knowledge**__
Individual knowledge building can occur when students use wikis through externalization. Individuals also build knowledge through internalization. Students also make inferences which allow them to make changes to their "individual knowledge space" or schema (Cress, 2007, 160). Students can gain new knowledge from a wiki and assimilate it, by integrating into their current schema. Students may also accommodate information, which causes them to make alterations to their schema (Cress, 2007, 161).

__**Group Knowledge**__
Assimilation and accommodation can also occur collectively. Assimilation occurs when new information is added to the wiki. Accommodation occurs when the wiki is restructured (Cress, 2007, 161).

__**Links to Examples**__

 * WikiSpaces
 * [|PBWorks]
 * [|Wikipedia]

__References__


 * WikiPedia** [], **6/29/11**.

What is Wiki ([], 6/30/11).

50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Motivating and Interactive Classroom. (http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/50-ways-to-use-wikis-for-a-more-collaborative-and-interactive-classroom/,6/29/11)

Cress, U., & Kimmerle, J. (2007). A Theoretical Framework of Collaborative Knowledge Building with Wikis- A systematic and cognitive perspective. Retrieved June 28, 2011, from https://cms.psu.edu/AngelUploads/Content/201011S1WD___REDTEC567_001/ReadingMaterials/CressKimmerle2007.pdf