Wiki Blog

Wikis

What is a wiki and what are the benefits to using a Wiki?

            Wiki is not a new concept.  It originated in the early 1990s in Hawaii.  Wiki, literally meaning “quick”,  is just that…quick.  Wiki spaces are sites where information can be added quickly and edited quickly by any user.  While wikis have had some issues with inappropriate information or facts being stated will now sometimes choose to allow only “invited” followers to post or contribute.  The most know wiki is probably Wikipedia.  Much information can be viewed and researched through Wikipedia, however it is often best to verify any information taken from this site, simply because it is so user friendly and users have the ability to change or list misinformation.

            Wikis allow for collaboration on projects and open ended communication between users.  With this cabability, there are many uses available to the educator and media specialist.  Teachers and media specialists must collaboratively plan together to maximize the media lesson and media center useage. However, with so many new standards and responsibilities, the classroom teacher and media specialist would basically have to add hours to the day to get everything completed that needs to be completed.  Using a wiki to plan units or visits is a simple way to plan together and can be used to plan entire semesters or years.  Media specialists can also use the wiki site to directly connect to classrooms.  Media specialists can set up pathfinders for students to use in the classroom or outside of the media center and get feedback from the users.  Teachers can also take advantage of this tool by adding assignments or additional information that the students will find helpful completing the task listed on the wiki. 

            Wikis can also be used as a preview tool.  Administrators can set up a wiki to preview events for the school year or post agendas prior to faculty meetings. By previewing these events early everyone involved can add individual classroom events to the yearly calendar or special days for different grade levels. Using a yearly wiki is a great way to make sure everyone knows what great things are happening at your school all year. It would also be a great way to spotlight great things at your school to the central office personnel who like to see events and happenings. When administrators poste agendas he/she can be ensured that teachers are prepared and bring necessary documentation to faculty meetings. 

            Using wiki to assist teacher and media collaboratively plan, media specialists connect more directly with students, and administrator connect with faculty and staff (not to mention highlight their school to the central office) it seems there is no way to loose with wiki use.  In fact, we could say it is a “Wikiwin” situation.  I know I certainly plan on sharing wiki information and ways to use with the faculty and staff where I work.

Bowllan, A. (2008). A wiki gives a worthy book new life. School Library Journal,            Retrieved from http://schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6590061.html

(2005). 7 things you should know about..wikis. Educause Learning Initiative, (July),        Retrieved from www.educause.edu/eli

Wikipedia. (2012). Retrieved from www.wikipedia.org