A wiki is a website that allows multiple users to collaboratively create and modify web page content. Wikis are easily accessible and free technology that can be used for a variety of educational purposes, such as collaborative textbooks, presenting student work, sharing resources, and more. While wikis promote democratic knowledge creation and show the thought process, teachers need to monitor contributions and decide who can access and edit the site.

1. Wikis The Basics

2. Wiki n. 1. Short form of the Hawaiian wiki-wiki which means quick or fast 2. a website that allows multiple users to create, modify and organize web page content in a collaborative manner. Wiki Wiki bus in Honolulu, HI Photo by zordroyd at http://flickr.com/photos/99198060@N00/369530358

3. “ A Web Page with an Edit Button” A wiki is a website that people can edit, add to and change. Limits can be put in place so that only certain people can view or be allowed to change a wiki. Click for an example from a 9 th grade history class: http://brokenworld.wikispaces.com/A+Broken+World Click for an example from a 5 th grade history class: http://msharboursclass.wikispaces.com/ Click for an example from a 5 th grade class reading Turn Homeward, Hannalee : http:// wiki.woodward.edu/hannalee/doku.php

4. Wikis in Plain English http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =-dnL00TdmLY

5. Educational Uses of Wikis Collaborative Textbook Presentation Resource Share Share Student Work Book/Movie Reviews Class Dictionary or Encyclopedia Study Guide/Class Notes Student Portfolios Timeline Question of the Week Online Journaling Poetry or Literature Anthology Literature Circles Progressive Story Class Newspaper Debate Course Topics and Readings Project Planning and Creation Support Service Learning Projects Virtual Field Trips Brainstorming

6. Why Wiki? Easily accessible technology; free and simple to use. Grounded in content and skills. Interactive and student-centered.

7. Other Benefits and Possibilities Democratic process of knowledge creation. See evidence of thought process and development. Ownership and pride of public authorship. Could incorporate student, faculty, community, and parent input.

8. Possible Concerns Monitoring wiki contributions. Determining who can access and contribute to the site. Deciding whether your site is public or private. Group authorship and public writing. No spell check / some editing issues.

9. Go back to www.workingwithwikis.wikispaces.com to get started