What's a Wiki?

What Is It?

A collaborative web site comprises the perpetual collective work of many authors. Similar to a blog in structure and logic, a wiki allows anyone to edit, delete or modify content that has been placed on it, including the work of previous authors. In contrast, a blog, typically authored by an individual, does not allow visitors to change the original posted material, only add comments to the original content.

Why Is It So Important?

Why should teachers care about wikis? Because learning is social — people learn through working with one another. Wikis encourage collaboration, and collaboration is the secret sauce of innovation and effectiveness. Wikis are a new tool for teachers and they pull people to learn when they feel the need. The information on a wiki is largely created by the users themselves.

Nevertheless, wikis have now become attractive. They are still weird the first few times you’re exposed to them, but it’s not really the wiki that is weird; it’s that we are unaccustomed to collaborative work.

Everyone is encouraged to add to the wiki, correct mistakes and document discoveries.
Perhaps that is the most important reason for teachers to understand wikis. Learning is inherently collaborative. Wikis are a great way to learn to collaborate.

A Real-Life Classroom Wiki!

I was introduced to Wiki's by one of my teaching buddies and I must admit, at first I was little concerned that I couldn't keep up with it. I decided I would give it a try and I quickly realized that there was actually nothing to "Keep Up With." I teach 6th grade math and science and our wiki has become a "warehouse" of our learning throughout the course of the year. I always enjoy going to our wiki and seeing what types of things my students are adding. Take a look at our classroom wiki: http://shermansmath.pbwiki.com/

Can You Create Your Own Wiki?

YES! It really is easy, I promise. I have posted step-by-step directions below. Watch each section and create your wiki as you go. Good luck and please contact me, tsherman@wcpss.net if you have any questions.

After you have your wiki up please come back and let us know what the experience was like. Was it difficult? Was there anything that was confusing? How have your students responded?

Video #1: This video will explain Wiki's a little more and will introduce you to the home page of pb wiki. It will also explain how to create an account.



Video #2: This video will explain the front page of your Wiki. The front page is the first thing people will see when they visit your Wiki. It's important to be familar with, and know how to navigate through your front page.



Video #3: This video will show how to add a new page to your Wiki. Adding new pages allows you to organize the content that will be found on your Wiki.



Video #4: This video will walk you through the process of editing a page on your Wiki.