History
Technology
Uses
Security
References
Introduction
What we do at the first stage---collecting information about this technology and its primary application--- may not be quite different from what can be googled out on the Internet. However, with the development of this project, you will see how we look at and sort out the myriad information to help you understand wikis fully under the framework of Technological Pedagogical Content KnowledgeTPCK.
Team: Alicia Trotman;Jiawen Wang
Wiki Basics
What is a wiki?
In Hawaiian http://www.gohawaii.com/ it means ‘quick’. In other words, it is a ‘quick’ way to edit information in a webpage. This editing function can not only be achieved by the designer of the wiki but anyone who comes in contact with the wiki and feels compelled to edit (or open edit) the information. Open Editing included reading, rearranging and revising the structure and content of that information whether it be text, animation or pictures. As commented by (Augar, Raitman & Zhou, 2004), Wikis are an excellent tool for collaboration in an online environment. (Also see the definitions by WikiPedia)
Create one! (Including info about the main wiki hosts and how to make a choice.)
This is by far the simplest explanation for any question posted on this wiki. This is how to create a wiki:
1. Choose a web host.
2. Enter your personal information and your Wiki word to title your wiki.
3. Your wiki is created. All is left to do is to choose your authenticated users if your wiki is intended for private use within your community. If it is for public use, let the collaboration begin!
4. Here is some more information on creating wikis: WikiCreationInfo
An example:
The following are wiki hosts:
pbWiki – a free, password-protected wiki as easily as a peanut butter sandwich
JotSpot Wiki
SeedWiki
MediaWiki – this site allows you to download the software to create wikis; so if you know programming and you would like to create wikis from scratch, this is your site!
PmWiki – this wiki is also downloadable software; knowledge of HTML and CSS is not required to make changes here!
More about programming in PHP Wikis
Wetpaint, the latest
SnipSnap: Weblog and Wiki Software written in Java
GetFlex Wiki – a wiki that uses WikiSignatures – Words in Action
K Desktop Environment – a powerful Open Source graphical desktop environment for Unix workstations
A Mega-List of all other Wiki Software provided by Wikipedia!
Here are some that can get you started:
TagYoureIt - a Collaborative Writing Community
Do you feel difficult to make a choice? Some one has offered a tool to compare the wikis side by side. Just go to their site, where you'll have more surprise than you expected.
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How different are wikis different from blogs, discussion forums, and chats?
The speed of chat exchanges forces short, spontaneous messages, which more closely mimic spoken exchanges than is the case in discussion forums. Voice and video options for communication have added to the charming of chatting and instant messaging.
The discussion forums have been found to facilitate extra writing of students at many different levels and use of language to communicate meaningfully in real contexts (Godwin-Jones).
Before Wiki, the collaborative environment which has sparked the most intense interest in recent years are blogs. Blogs are usually individual, but group blogs are also possible. They are easily linked and cross-linked, to create larger on-line communities. They offer a great deal of flexibility and the potential for creativity in the construction of the site, yet still feature the ease of use of a template-based system. Although there has been effort to enhance the ability to find blog-based information, the general limitation in the structure of blogs is the fact that they are chronologically organized, rather than by content.
While blogs can be highly personal, wikis are intensely collaborative. Such a system like wiki only works with users serious about collaborating and willing to follow the group conventions and practices. Wiki content is expected to have some degree of seriousness and permanence. The goal of Wiki sites is to become a shared repository of knowledge, with the knowledge base growing over time. All wikis make it easy to add new pages and create links. Some wiki systems also have version control and rollback (The Gilbane Report).
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What is the most famous wiki application?
The most famous wiki is the Wikipedia, an online collaborative encyclopedia that illustrates the common wiki features, namely collaborative authoring with lightweight content management features such as lists of changed pages, author tracking, and locking.
Since it is the work of volunteers, some people have been suspicious of and criticizing the reliability of Wikipedia.Recently, however, Wikipedia has survived a research test, with the conclusion that Wikipedia is about as accurate on science as the Encyclopedia Britannica (BBC News at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4530930.stm ).
The Future: Where are Wikis Heading to?
To make it as simple as possible. "Right now, using most wiki tools, the cost of contributing (the time, learning, and complexity required) puts the value equation in jeopardy. But if contributing is fast and easy, like typing an email message is, then all of a sudden the equation changes and so does the value. If contribution is easy for lots of individuals, then collectively we’re able to quickly build a strong repository of knowledge, information, or data." [Ben Elowitz. In Stewart Mader’s A conversation with Ben Elowitz, CEO of Wetpaint: Using Wiki in Education. Retrieved at http://www.ikiw.org/?p=37, 03/19/2006]
Our Favorite Wikis!
Alicia's Favorites
Wikipedia - the Free Encyclopedia
Caribbean Student Association at Michigan State University
CommunityWiki
Jiawen's Favorites
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