Wiki+Information

Definition: The word “wiki” is not an acronym but rather (according to Ward Cunningham, currently at Microsoft Corporation, who coined the term) “a [Hawaiian word] used as an alliterative substitute for quick, to avoid naming this [software] quick-Web.” The name has now entered the Internet lexicon, along with other Web-based terms such as blogs and podcasts. [| (7 Things You Should Know About… Wikis)]
 * Definition of New Concept: **
 * Wiki **

A Wiki is a web page that can be viewed and modified by anyone. It is way for groups of people to work together, without actually being together.

[|_Wikis In Plain English_]

In 1994 Ward Cunningham invented the concept of wiki and named it. It was released in 1995 and used to communicate between software developers. Probably the most well-known and used wiki is Wikipedia. Wikipedia serves as an online encyclopedia that can be changed and modified by anyone. Currently, Wikipedia employees people to monitor and look for accurate information.
 * History: **

The most obvious advantage to wikis is that users are able to collaborate in a collective place (site) without being together. This collaboration allows for multiple users to edit the wiki. Wikis are held online so access is convenient as long as the site is known. Wikis can be made public and private. Although some wikis are available to anyone, editors are able to choose who will be allowed to edit and change the wiki. A wiki can also be developed that is private or it can require authorization before use.
 * Advantages of Wikis: **

Wikis are able to hold various kinds of information. Owners can upload graphics, webpages, videos, slides, sound bites, and documents among other material. Wikis hold history pages that allow owners to go back and see changes that have been made. The history page also allows the editor to go back to a previous page and use it again. This feature is convenient if one editor does not like the changes another editor has made.

Many wikis are free on sites such as Wikispaces.com and Pbwiki.com. More advanced wiki sites are offered for a fee. These sites provide more variety of themes and backgrounds as well as heightened security.

The possibilities for projects with wikis are unlimited. Educational use is happening at all levels. Students are able to collaborate in a way that was not possible before. One of the more used features on wikis is a discussion forum that allows multiple users to talk with each other in a form similar to email. Many businesses have also begin to use wikis as well.

Since multiple users can edit a wiki it is possible to delete and edit work that others have done. With unlimited numbers of people being able to edit a wiki, some, may put things on that are inappropriate or inaccurate. The free wikis may limit the amount of people able to use the wiki and the may limit the features of the wiki. For some wikis the discussion option does not thread discussions, which some users find hard to read.
 * Disadvantages: **

Also, there is the question of accuracy of content because multiple users can change, edit, and add to the wiki. This has caused the credibility of Wikipedia to be questioned. At any given moment that a viewer is looking at Wikipedia they cannot be totally sure that the information shown is accurate. Currently, the site has people who monitor information to check accuracy and appropriateness.
 * Possible Issues and Concerns: **

Wikipedia states, “We tell people to not rely on Wikipedia as their sole source of information but rather use it as a starting point for further research. For this to work, articles not only need external links to guide readers to further information, but also a list of sources we used to write the Wikipedia article so the reader can go and check our material against that of the sources to check our accuracy. In other words, we need to make a joined effort to clean up the references in Wikipedia.” []

<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The possible uses for wikis are unlimited. Many people are just being introduced to wikis as a way of collaboration. As more people understand their capabilities and advantages, the different ways they are used and the frequency of their use will increase. For now, wikis are more prevalent in the education field than ever before.
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Future Direction: **


 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Examples of Wikis in Education: **

[|Featured Wiki- Educational- Blogging]

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