What+is+a+Wiki?

= ** Title: What is “Wiki”? ** =

//**  ﻿ 1. Introduction **//

According to the creator of the first Wiki software, Ward Cunningham, known as WikiWikiWeb in 1995, called the Wiki “The simplest online database that could possibly work.” The Wiki is a piece of software that uses a Web browser that can be used to collaborate the efforts of multiple individuals allowing them to create, edit, and remove content in a web site (BoLeuf & Cunningham, 2002).

Wikis can be used within the business and educational realm. For the content in this paper, we will discuss the Wiki as it relates to education. We will look at the impacts on education, the issues and implications, as well as the future of the Wiki.

//**  ﻿ 2. Impact on Education **//

With the use of technology being integrated within the curriculum, many educators are beginning to utilize Wikis within their classrooms.

Wikis can serve several functions within the classroom. These include, but are not limited to, classroom management, class discussions, collaboration for group projects or individual assignments, and student portfolios (McGraw-Hill, 2011).

Wiki use for classroom management may include aspects such as posting the class syllabus, assignments/instructions, discussions, presentations, virtual tours, how-to videos, links to other resources/materials, as well as viewing edits that are made and by whom to each page on the site. Teachers may also create access rights per page and archive materials. Class discussions can be created and posted within the Wiki to allow for assigned discussions or teacher/student feedback and even student/student feedback. Collaborations on projects or writing assignments can work via Wiki where students post portions of materials and edits can be made in one space with tracking of edits. Student portfolios can be viewed to see how far student learning has evolved, as well as helping students to stay organized.

Outside of the classroom, but within the education realm, Wikis can be used for teacher/teacher discussions or to simply share information. Deters, Cuthrell, and Stapleton (2010) note that a study by Foley and Chang in 2006 found that another use of Wikis was professional development for pre-service and in-service teachers.

//**  ﻿ 3. Issues and Implications **//

With any technology tool being used in education, there can be several issues that may arise. These include security issues, lack of clear and concise directions for assignments, lack of participation, inadequate completion time, technical issues, and inappropriate conduct and usage.

Security issues can be a great concern. Students must be taught about online safety and ensure that personal information is not posted. Students must also understand there are established and supported consequences for all inappropriate conduct and usage when participating within the online course/wiki.

The lack of clear and concise directions for assignments can cause for a lack of motivation and a sense of frustration. Communications and assignments should be clearly stated and reviewed prior to posting information.

Lack of participation can also be caused by a lack of clear and concise direction within the course. Lack of participation may arise from not being trained to use the tools given. Ensure that those that you have created the course for have received the proper training for the tool.

Time to complete lessons should be taken into consideration, especially when other materials must be reviewed or researched for completing the task at hand.

Technical issues can cause a complete stop to the course. Ensure that technological needs have been stated and tested for performance. Ensure that administrators, parents, and students are aware of the hardware/software/network requirements needed to complete work on the Wiki.

//**  ﻿ 4. The Future **//

The future of Wikis is one that is continuing to grow for both teachers and administrators (Davis, 2007). With its ease of use, the tool has become quite popular. As seen in many of the online courses that I have taken, Wiki usage is prevalent. Wikis can be used for many different means within the classroom. However, with any technology, issues and limitations can occur. Preparation is key when incorporating technology into the curriculum. As the need to incorporate technology into the classroom continues to be pushed, Wikis will continue to be used, at least until something better comes along, as technology is ever evolving.

﻿ //**5.** **Report three web resources or journal sources that you used for this assignme****nt﻿**//

BoLeuf & Cunningham, Ward (2002). //What is Wiki?// []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

Davis, Michelle (2007). //Wiki Wisdom: Lessons for Educators.// []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

Deters, F., Cuthrell, D., & Stapleton, J. (2010). //Why Wikis? Student Perceptions of Using Wikis in Online Coursework.// []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

Efta, Kendrick (2010). //The Simples Online Database: The Wiki as Strategic Information Management.// []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

McCrea, Bridget (2010). Wiki-Centric Learning. []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

McGraw-Hill (2011). //Teaching Today: Wiki Basics.// []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.

Reynard, Ruth (2009). //3 Challenges to Wiki Use in Instruction//, []. Retrieved March 20, 2011.