 |
Text Only Version :: Site Map :: Email Login :: Help :: Feedback :: Discussion Forums :: |
|
Text Only Version :: Site Map :: Email Login :: Help :: Feedback :: Discussion Forums :: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Home | Intranet | A-Z Topics | eServices | Curriculum | Leadership | School Admin | School Web Sites | School Workforce | Research & Good Practice | | |
You
are in: Teaching
& Learning » ICT » Technologies » Web 2.0 » Wikis |
 |
 |
|||||||||
|
WikisWhat is a Wiki?
Wikis also provide a quick and simple way to make a web site, using only simple word-processing skills. It is not necessary to know how to use html, web-editing software or how to upload to a web-server. With a wiki anyone can create and edit a site, including text, graphics, video etc. directly from your web browser. Another good feature about wikis is that all changes are recorded, so that you can revert back to an earlier version if you want. What are Wikis used for?The most famous ‘global’ wikis are used to construct knowledge and information through collaboration. For example, Wikibooks aims to build an online library of textbooks which can be used (and edited) by anyone: Wikispecies is a directory of animal and plant species that works in the same way. If someone makes an entry that is incorrect, someone else corrects it. There is no overall editorial control, which leads to a lot of discussion about the accuracy of these resources, and there is no guarantee that an entry will be correct, but in general they are. On a smaller scale, people use wikis as individuals, for making a simple website, or as groups, to work together on a shared project, for example. You could build shared lists or publish information or documents for your group. A wiki can be private and only accessible with a password, or public but only editable with a password, or totally open to everyone. Like blogs, wikis usually have RSS feeds so users can track the changes using an RSS reader. Why use Wikis in the Classroom?Because of the collaborative nature of wikis, and their ease of use, they provide an excellent way to work together on different projects and activities. If the wiki is to be public it provides a way for young people to publish to a mass audience, which in itself can be very motivating. Wikis can also lead to greater attention being paid to editorial correctness, and writing for a specific audience. Wikis are also good for promoting reading in a different way, whilst thinking about how to edit and improve what is being read. The wiki can have different pages for different activities or pupils, and can help develop collaborative and community skills. Examples of Classroom Use
eSafety and Related IssuesObviously with anything published to the internet it is essential to consider eSafety. If your wiki is going to be ‘open’ for viewing, never publish pupil information or identifiable pupil images, or school information that you wouldn’t want published on the school’s website. You should consider writing under made up pseudonyms, which can be part of the fun. Use one of the wiki services that give greater control over how the blog is viewed and used. Please read our eSafety information pages here. Before starting a wiki you should make an Acceptable Use Policy which everyone concerned should read and sign. You should also get parental permission if the wiki is going to be public. Also, as the wiki may be accessible across the internet, you should discuss issues such as free expression, inappropriate, libellous or defamatory content and copyright. Further Reading
Starting a Wiki
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
