Module 10

A wiki is a simple website that allows users to create and edit material and can be a very useful tool in education. I see its power in the fact that individual and groups can work collaboratively to create understanding. As each student or group adds information the combined knowledge grows. The wiki can be used to share research and compile data. A group can take responsibility for creating their own content.

The wiki also allows for changes in a document to be tracked. It is possible to see who has made changes and when they have occured. Information is not lost as each version of the document is stored. Students work on the latest version but can look back at earlier data if necessary and modify the "current" document.

On some occasions when students are developing research material they become preoccupied with the setting out of the material e.g. web page format. They have to master the skills in creating a web site. When using a wiki the process is far simpler and the focus remains on the content.

One concern I have with students developing or creating information is the possibility of incorrect information being put forward as fact. There is a need for the teacher or other expert to review the information created in the wiki for accuracy.

The use of wikis along with a range of other web 2 tools enable our students "to learn how to learn" and encourage the formation of knowledge based networks. Students are developing the skill of creating knowledge and in the new "knowledge economy" this is vital.

Within the classroom the wiki can allow for differentiation with students/ groups being asked to add material with different degrees of difficulty. In addition, lower ability students may write queries that some of the more able students can answer. In this way peer learning can occur.

The use of the wiki in the classroom encourages the concept of each learner being part of a community of learners where each can bring new infromation or experiences to the group and where individual ideas can be shared.