What is a Wiki?

Let's define the word and the concept of "wiki"

• Wiki is a Hawaiian word for quick.
• It is a quickly created and edited website that anyone, from anywhere, can edit in an on line Internet environment. 
• Everyone can learn and practice editing skills. 
• The class community reads and supports the writing of their classmates. Students may assist each other by commenting in the comment section and recommending edits that they feel are necessary.

• The class learns the value of collaboration among peers.  
• This can be called "asynchronous communication" because we don't have to be on line at the same time.

Here is a brief video explaining more about the nature of a wiki:

What can students do and learn in a wiki environment

•  Students can write.
•  Students don't have to be the one in a classroom with their hand up to contribute something.
•  It is even possible in this environment for a teacher to hear every student's response to class discussion.
•  You can put links to pictures, documents or other websites.
•  Students can create (together) for example sharing classnotes.
• Research projects can be done using a wiki.

   

Why

• Students can create something meaningful and important for the world to see (not just the teacher).

• Students can take ownership & control of the content.

• They can work together to decide what is correct and what goes where

• We are encouraging and teaching them how to collaborate. negotiate and author something real.