A wiki is a website where users can collaboratively add, edit, and modify content using only a web browser. Wikis allow for easy communication and sharing of knowledge within groups. Some key advantages of wikis for collaboration include visibility of everyone's work, the ability to learn from others, and the potential for prompt teacher feedback. Factors that enhance wiki collaboration include user-friendly interfaces, clear organization of content, and making contributions visible and accessible.

1. LET’S DO IT THE WIKI WAY! SUSAN DREGER

2. WHAT IS A WIKI? Wiki wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian. The first wiki was created by Ward Cunningham in 1995. A ‘wiki’ is a website where users can add, remove, and edit every page using a web browser. It's so easy for people to jump in and revise pages that wikis are becoming known as the tool of choice for either small or large, multiple-participant projects. A wiki allows a group of people to collaboratively develop a website with no knowledge of HTML.

3. ADVANTAGES OF INTRODUCING A WIKI Easier Communication Within Groups Better Sharing Of Knowledge Easier Assessment Of Student Contribution Greater Student Responsibility Motivating Dynamic Flexible

4. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLOGS AND WIKIS BLOGS WIKIS Usually single author Reverse chronological structure Personal voice External links only Author’s responsible for content No modifications in posts Vertical structure Usually many authors Structure determined by content and users Collective voice Internal and external links Co-responsibility of content Constant editing Horizontal structure

5. Factors T hat E nhance C ollaboration

6. VISIBILITY OF EVERYONE’S WORK comparing one’s own work with the work of others learning from better groups getting new ideas learning from the mistakes of others more motivating

7. THE TEACHER’S PROMPT RESPONSE AND FEEDBACK more interaction regular feedback more courage to ask for help

8. ACCESSIBILITY OF MATERIALS Easy access to materials through links Material organised according to needs and interests Internal search to help locate materials

9. USER FRIENDLINESS Easy editing Better forming of a group identity Possibility to add many dynamic features without technological knowledge

10. Recommendations for improving collaboration in the wiki Select user-friendly wiki software Organise the wiki clearly and logically Provide all the necessary resources Make students aware that their contributions are being assessed or ‘observed’. Build a positive relationship with the students Encourage that they ask for help Make all the groups ’ work visible and easily accessible Offer prompt feedback Praise your students’ contributions

11. FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN WIKIS Collaborative Page Editing Document management & file sharing Complete history and audit trail Easily invite others to collaborate Notifications by RSS and email Access Controls Tags and Folders Automatic Backups Storage Space Customizable Templates Possibility for ad-free site

12. SUGGESTIONS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WIKI SITE WETPAINT.COM PB WIKI.COM WIKISPACES.COM