Wonderful World of Wikis
What is a wiki?
According to Wikipedia, 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 WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) 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 note-taking.
Where can I get the software?
How can I use a wiki in my classes?
Wikis are very useful as a workspace for projects. Try to imagine how the following ideas could be used in your classes:
- Reflection journals
- Research project collaboration
- Peer review/editing of assignments
- Summary of readings
- Knowledge Base (wikipedias for specific courses)
- Study Guides
- Glossaries
- Vocabulary lists
- Project Tracking
- Presenting topics for assignments
- Presenting assignments
- e-Portfolios
- Adding links to content not covered in class
Wiki Pioneers at Bow Valley College
Did you know that Bow Valley instructors are already using wikis in their classes?
Keltie Coad, has been working on a wiki with her students. Here is what she has to say about wikis:
Using wikis in the classroom
In order to introduce my high level ESL students to technology, I began using a class wiki about 3-4 years ago. I've used it as a repository for links, to support themes and activities in the classroom and as a collaborative project tool. A wiki is as versatile as you want it to be. I often post links, videos and interactivities under a theme to enable students to research, practice or listen to thematic material. At times they do mini-research projects and share their results in discussion in the classroom. The collaborative "Wikis Project" that I have used for the last 2 years has been a great success. It not only teaches students to post and link information to their own wiki projects, but allows them to interact and use real communicative language with a partner. Most students find that researching a topic they are interested in and then presenting it using the wiki technology to be useful and fun in their process of acquiring language. The class wiki also encourages students to access materials and work independently at home. In short, I've found that using a wiki to engage my students in digital learning has been a profitable experience for them and an interesting ride for me.
Check it out here:
http://kcoad1.wikispaces.com/Citi
Chris Taylor in Academic Foundations also used a wiki for her students to work collaboratively on a project.
