An Introduction to Wikis Bushra Faisal February 17, 2009

What is a Wiki? Wikis are online writing spaces Wikis use simple formatting rules with no knowledge of HTML required Wikis are Web site which gives users access to edit, revise and add content

Brief History of Wiki Wiki comes from the Hawaiian word for "quick." This word is referred to the work of Ward Cunningham, who, in 1995 aimed to create the simplest database possible Cunningham’s WikiWikiWeb remains a milestone in the development of Wikis that are committed to the search for useful and reusable patterns in software (Augar, Ruth & Zhou, 2004)

The Two Styles of Wikis The Document Mode Users can write new documents collaboratively in third person Do not sign the Wiki documents Eventually becomes a document which represents shared opinions and beliefs The Thread Mode Users can use wikis as a platform for discussions Posts are responded and the comments appear as a thread-like structure. (Augar et al, 2004)

Two Wiki Settings Public Settings All Web users will have access to the Wiki This gives them access to modify, edit or delete content Private settings Restricted access is given to the Wiki The persons who are allowed to access the content are added, the wiki is inaccessible to the rest of the Internet users.

What Makes a Wiki a Wiki? Wikis focus on the last draft Previous edits are saved as versions These versions can be retrieved and restored by accessing the Wiki history Wikis can be used as presentation space or course management space as long as they are recognized as online writing spaces (Lundin, 2008)

Isn’t a Wiki like a Blog? Wikis and Blog are alike in the respresentation of discussions. In a Wiki a user can change content but in a blog a user can only post comments.

Wikis are user-friendly Wikis are as easy as using any word processing software Knowledge of programming knowledge is not necessary to use wikis The edited versions are saved and can be retrieved so the data is not lost (Lundin, 2008)

Advantages of using Wikis in Classroom Unlimited interaction of students done in various ways Students have access to facts, articles, essays, ideas etc. Student can author articles and essays and other contributions to the wiki Students can improve communication and research skills (Moxley, Morgan, Barton, Hanak, 2009)

Advantages of using Wikis in Classroom Easy editing options allows students to rearrange work Collaboration and making idea connections are easier in the wiki format. (Moxley et al, 2009

Wikis vs. Conventional Web Pages Arreguin, C. (2004).

Wiki Farms A Wiki farm is a server or a collection of servers that provides wiki hosting, or a group of wikis hosted on such. (Wikipedia) Wiki farms do not require extensive technical expertise and are ideal for teachers. (CMIS, 2009)

Wiki Farms Examples of Wiki farms are Wikispaces, Peanut Butter Wiki, Jot Spot (now a part of google sites)Wikispaces Peanut Butter WikiJot Spot There is an open directory of Wiki farms available for consultation.open directory

References Moxley, J., Morgan, M., Barton, M., Hanak, D. (2009, January 31) Education World. The Educator’s Best Friend. For teachers new to wikis. Retrieved from on February 17, 2009, from chers%20New%20to%20Wikis.html chers%20New%20to%20Wikis.html Augar, N., Raitman, R. & Zhou, W. (2004). Teaching and learning online with wikis. In R. Atkinson, C. McBeath, D. Jonas-Dwyer & R. Phillips (Eds), Beyond the comfort zone: Proceedings of the 21st ASCILITE Conference (pp ). Perth, 5-8 December. Retrieved on January 6, 2009 from ar.html ar.html

References Lundin, R. (2008, December). Teaching with wikis: Toward a networked pedagogy. Computers & Composition, 25(4), Retrieved January 9, 2009 from Academic Search Premier Database Arreguin, C. (2004) Wikis. Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. Retrieved January 9, 2009 from Department of Education and Training. CMIS Resourcing the Curriculum. Wikis in the Classroom. Retrieved January 10, 2009 from /ict/wikis/index.htm#farms /ict/wikis/index.htm#farms Lundin, R. (2008, December). Teaching with wikis: Toward a networked pedagogy. Computers & Composition, 25(4), Retrieved January 9, 2009 from Academic Search Premier Database Arreguin, C. (2004) Wikis. Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. Retrieved January 9, 2009 from Department of Education and Training. CMIS Resourcing the Curriculum. Wikis in the Classroom. Retrieved January 10, 2009 from /ict/wikis/index.htm#farms /ict/wikis/index.htm#farms