History: WikisInEducation101

What is a Wiki

Wikis are web-based tools that have been successfully used for the creation of collaborative projects and documents.

What are some of the key features or functions of a wiki

• Easy Creation and Editing of Content
  • All users can be allowed to edit; some platforms allow for complex permissions and editing rights
  • No extensive training or special software required
• Flexible Extension
  • Adding pages and reconfiguring the architecture is simplified
  • Flexible architecture allows for organic development of projects (though editing may be required)
• Version Tracking
  • Edits to pages are tracked in a history that can be consulted to view who contributes what changes and to "roll back"

What are the benefits of using a wiki?

How have IUP faculty begun to use wikis?

• Sean Mc Daniel uses the wiki to allow his students to collaboratively create a Spanish cultural enciclopedia
• Gian Pagnucci has used the wiki with Graduate Composition students to compose an annotated bibliography
• Ken Sherwood has used some form of wiki workspace in his courses for the last four semesters: as a Dynamic Reading Schedule with Student Presentations, Collaborative Reading Notes, to distribute classnotes, In-class Writing (cache), Collective Reading Guide (cache)

What are the implications for IUP?

• IUP DHC will continue to pilot wiki use
  • Currently we have experience with Media Wiki and Tikiwiki. Other products such as Social Text might also be worth early exploration. At present the focus has been less on comparing specific installation features than on exploring the possible course uses.
• At least two additional faculty will start projects this coming semester
• Emerging Tech might want to begin the exploration of developing the wiki as a university-wide resource. Faculty participants could then be asked to report their experience to Emerging Technology next semester.