Wiki’s
What is a Wiki?
According to Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki) (a wiki itself) “A wiki is a website that allows the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified mark-up language or a WYSIWYG text editor.”
A wiki is a plain vanilla web browser that allows users to write and create documents collaboratively, it is a communication tool for communities. Any user may create, add or edit any wiki page they desire within the wiki website. This is very easy to use and has no extra add-ons, some wiki’s allow any member of the general public to edit and add content without signing up for a user account, although some wiki’s can be set to users only which requires setting up a free account. An example of a wiki website is http://www.wikispaces.com/ which in this case I am using, click on the following link to go to my personal wiki page www.leahbliss1.wikispaces.com.
You are able to view all of the changes to a wiki on the recent changes page and are able to return to an older view of the page if required.
Wiki’s also have Link button which allows the user to link a website or webpage to the wiki for the users to follow and you are able to insert or upload pictures and media
Example of a Wiki: A user may create a wiki about any chosen topic, in this case the wiki content will be about items needed for a storm survival kit, the creator will begin the wiki, giving it a title and including any information they already have, other users may then read, edit and add any information they feel is relevant to the topic, it is then modified and saved for users to continue viewing.
A wiki is primarily a database that is used for creating, browsing, and searching through information.
Interesting fact: Wikipedia states that Ward Cunningham developed the first wiki called WikiWikiWeb in 1994, he installed it on the internet in 1995. Cunningham named it “Wiki” because he remembered an airport employee in Honolulu telling him to take the “Wiki Wiki Shuttle” that runs between the terminals, he chose wiki-wiki as a substitute for quick instead of naming it quick web. To learn more about wiki’s visit www.wikipedia.com/wiki/Wiki or http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/ or Google “wiki”.
Pro’s
Free
Easy to use, create & edit
Effective Communication tool
Easy to correct mistakes
Review recent changes/history
Set to registered user’s only/Private
Registered users have access to more functions
Easy to sign up
Link to other sites
Wiki support – help
Manage wiki - layout
Insert and upload images & media
Lock certain pages
Special Copyright Agreement
Cons
Easily Tampered with
Lack of security
Easily Vandalised
Some wiki’s can be edited by anyone
Users can add any content e.g. rude
Anonymous editing
Link to sites with viruses etc.
Access to anyone (some)
Easy to sign up – anyone can create account
No spell check
Copyright/Referencing
Parental concerns
In my context studying via distance education, wiki’s are a useful and easy communication tool to discuss course topics and content with peers. As the students enrolled in this course study distance we do not have the opportunity to meet and discuss information face to face this tool enables us to do exactly that which is why I have begun a wiki about the pros and cons of a wiki. Please visit http://leahbliss1.wikispaces.com/Wiki+-+Pro%27s+%26+Con%27s and add your own ideas and suggestions. I look forward to your comments.
Reference
Wikipedia.(2010). Wiki. Retrieved November 19, 2010, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
Teachers First. 2010). Wiki Walk Through. Retrieved november 19, 2010, from
http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/
Central Queensland University (CQU). (2010). FAHE11001 – Wiki: Study Guide. Rockhampton. QLD, Australia: Author.
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