Wikis allow module members to contribute and modify one or more pages of module-related materials and provide a means of sharing and collaboration. Users can create and edit pages quickly, and track changes and additions, which allows for effective collaboration between multiple writers. You can create one or more wikis for all module members to contribute to and wikis for specific groups to use to collaborate.
All module members can use the wikis tool to record information and serve as a repository for module information and knowledge. A module wiki is a vast source of information compiled by module members. Wikis can help build a community of collaboration and learning. Social interaction increases during the exchange of information.
Students use a wiki to collaborate on shared content from different times and locations. They can view previous changes, comment on content or changes, include new content, and revise existing content. Similar to the discussion board, you act as a facilitator instead of the provider of all module content. Unlike a blog, which can be quite personal, wikis require intense collaboration, where information is linked to and built upon.
You can grade student contributions to a wiki or use it solely for module content review. In either instance, a student can contribute multiple pages to a single wiki and make unlimited revisions to pages submitted by any course member. You can also enable the group wiki tool to help groups share and interact.
You can view all changes to all pages in a wiki. You can view the changes at a high level, and you can drill down to see information about contributions by any individual.
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Wikis can help module members build a shared repository of knowledge. As the knowledge base grows over time, you can expect the wiki to have some degree of seriousness and permanence.
With dedicated use, you can use wikis for these educational purposes:
- Provide an easy to use environment for communication
- Promote collaboration rather than competition
- Foster a social and interactive approach to learning
- Build partnerships where you can benefit from the strengths of others
- Increase network building, trust, and negotiation skills
- Provide support and prompt feedback
- Provide a one-stop area where information is searched, updated, and accessed easily and quickly
- Increase and enhance the possibility of creativity, spontaneity, and innovation through the application of reflective thinking
You can use wikis as module content or graded assignments for these types of activities:
- A glossary
- A white paper
- Class summaries and outlines
- Connecting student writing to form a book
- A resources repository
- Lab experiments
- Student solutions for scenarios and case studies
- A research notebook
- Group project presentations
Instructors can create module wikis to encourage students to collect their knowledge in an organized way. Any course member can create pages within a wiki unless you intend to be the sole author and use the wiki as module content. Groups can also use wikis.