Wiki Framework
From ETS
Return to the Learning Design Summer Camp
Contents |
Overview
Wikis are essentially community-editable web sites. They can be an excellent way for a group of people to collaboratively shape concepts, summarize information, keep track of changes, and share best practices. For example, the Learning Design Summer Camp is an event that has been shaped by dozens of people over time.
When choosing a framework, keep in mind that wikis are considered a many-to-many tool (many authors, many readers/commenters).
This is a new heading
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3 wiki demo page
Wikis versus Blogs
Blogs tend to be oriented around a person and his or her thoughts over time. Blogs are usually composed of single posts with comments and responses. Wikis tend to be oriented to a large number of people with single pages being shaped over days, months, or years.
Wikis versus Google Docs
Like Wikis, Google Docs allow a group of people to write in a collaborative manner. However, Google Docs are single documents much like Microsoft Word documents whereas wikis typically exist within a large collection of related and interlinked pages. In other words, Google Docs are like social versions of word processing documents whereas wikis are like social versions of web sites. In addition, Google Docs are often limited to very few users while wikis are generally open to a large group of people.
Why Would I Want to Use It
Implications for Teaching and Learning
Resources, Related Blog Posts, Miscellaneous Thinking
Rationales for Using Wikis
- Wikis allow for collaboration. (There are no multiple versions that need to be merged as authors edit. A revision history allows authors to roll back changes if necessary.)
- Wikis allow for delegation of a project. (Anyone can be an author, so there are no bottlenecks between the people who have the information and the people who post it.)
- Wiki edits are quick, so they are ideal for information that requires frequent updates and/or should be kept up-to-date.
- Wikis can adapt to the needs of the project. (There is no predefined structure in a wiki, so wiki structure can be revised as your project evolves.)
Various Blog Posts from Around PSU
- Robin Smail's Wiki goodness.
- Ellysa Cahoy's Thought for the Day, FYE Wiki and Blogs and Wikis Class
- Nikki Massaro Kauffman's ...Lose the Project Management Software, Camtasia and Collaboration, The Culture of Collaboration, and Wiki-Wading: What to Do When You Want to Jump in But Don't Know Where to Start
- Natalie Harp's FCK Editor and Dokuwiki Customization
Learning About Wikis
- Wikis in Plain English*
- Blogs and Wikis for Internal Communications - @Robin2go, @ndw1, and @NikkiMK06's Web Conference 2008 session presentation including information on wikis
Educational Uses of Wikis
Misc. Uses of Wikis
From the Blogs and Wikis for Internal Communications Presentation...
- New employee orientation. (Example)
- Internal knowledgebase. (Example)
- Project management. (Example)
- Collaborative authoring. (This wiki is an example.)
- Workplace socialization. (Example)
