What Are Wikis?

A wiki is a Web site that allows anyone to add and update content on the site.  It's an online word processor.  In fact, if you can operate Microsoft Word, then you can create, or edit wikis.  Wikis are wonderful tools for collaboration.  A great example of a large wiki is the Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia in many languages that anyone can edit. The term "wiki" comes from the wiki's creator, Ward Cunningham who heard the Hawaiian phrase, "wiki wiki," which means "super fast."

Why use wikis in education?

The wiki was created by Ward Cunningham to allow him to collaborate with colleagues on engineering projects.   Soon educators saw it's potential for classroom use.  

* Student Engagement and Ownership in their Education

* Student voices can be heard.

* Authentic Assessment

* Parent Communication and Involvement

* Focus is on the learning material

* Students explain their thinking

* Collaboration among: Student and peers,  students and global classrooms, teachers with colleagues, teacher and parents, teacher and administrators

The administrative uses are endless among adminstrators, teachers, board members and the community.

* Public Forum/Discussion Board concerning school or district issues

* Collaboration on curriculum and other school or district documents.

* Administrators and faculty can collaborate on school goals, faculty notes, and policies.

Uses for Wikis

Wiki Sources

Getting Started

http://educators.pbwiki.com/f/PBwiki+HOdoc.pdf

PB Wiki Video 

Creating a Calendar 

Frequently Asked Questions