teaching with wikis to build and share knowledge

Wiki Workshop Using Wikis to Build and

Share Knowledge

Valerie Thomas and Phil Tietjen

English Department

Wikis are online writing spaces that allow users to read, create, edit, and share information in an asynchronous setting.

What is a Wiki?

How do Wikis Work?Wikis are easy to use because they use formatting rules similar to those found in a word processor.

How do Wikis Work?

• Wikis keep a record of previous drafts so it’s possible to revert to a previous draft.

• Wikis can be viewed by anyone who knows the Wiki web address and edited by anyone who knows the Wiki password.

• Wikis allow the instructor to move away from being the transmitter of information to a facilitator of information. They allow students to construct knowledge (Mindel & Verma)

• Wikis allow for dialog to occur about a document, research, or project.

• Wikis blur the lines of authorship and ownership and allow for better collaboration (Lamb).

• Wikis allow students to reflect on their learning and understand their learning process (Parker & Chao)

Why Wiki?

• Develop a project or paper with peer review• Provide free-writing space• Allow group authoring of a project or paper• Track a group project • Share research, data, case studies, creative

work, etc.• Allow student-generated review of course

material or course notes• Post literature reviews

What Ways Can You Wiki?

• Build an annotated bibliography• Create a glossary• Develop a list of FAQs• Keep a journal• Establish policies or initiatives• Support service learning projects• Build a webpage• Brainstorm ideas

What Ways Can You Wiki?

Joe Moxley, USF

What Happens in a Wiki?• Exchange of information and knowledge

• Harnesses the combined resources of all participants for the benefit of all

• Develops student autonomy and self- directed learning (Mindel & Verma)

Tracking Participation

Wikis provide the ability to

• view previous versions

• track edits made by contributors

• view comments by contributors

• chat with others

• Structured: instructor develops structure based on predetermined ideas

Versus

• Unstructured: students determine structure

Wiki Setup

• Mandate use• Provide grading scheme• Provide clear instructions for all work done

on the Wiki• Provide tutorial or demonstrate in class

Getting Students to Participate

If you have any questions, please contact me at vthomas@unm.edu or ptietjen@unm.edu.

Thank You