Wikis are great for groups

Wikis are websites or web pages that multiple authors can edit without needing to know HTML code. Wikis and wiki-like applications provide a readily available, relatively easy-to-use, low-bandwidth platform for collaborative writing and editing.

Wikis are places where many people can collaborate on the same document or develop a shared written resource.

There are several wiki platforms that UAF eLearning & Distance Education recommends including: UA Google Sites, Wikispaces (http://wikis.uaf.edu), PBworks and PM Wiki.

Use wikis for group work

Consider using a wiki in your course for:

• group activities
• collectively authored content
• creating resources (virtual field trips, presentations, study guides, a resource hub) ¹

By providing the student with the opportunity to create their own work environment you allow them to demonstrate what they are learning. Creating a product and sharing materials with a cohort helps cement the course content.

The collaborative environment

Consider using a UA Google Site for your course:

• content
• resources
• calendar of events
• frequently asked questions

You can allow all of your students to participate in editing these documents, or you can restrict editing to only certain pages.

Wiki basics

You need to set up the wiki and set permissions; these differ depending upon which wiki product you use. Once you decide whether this wiki is private to just your class or open to the world, you need to invite folks to contribute. A few resources for you and your student are:

• Wikis in Plain English http://www.commoncraft.com/video/wikis
• UAF PSY320 Wikipedia entry on Indigenous Psychology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_psychology

Before you begin, ask yourself who will be able to edit, what they will be able to edit (pages or the whole site), and what the purpose/goal of the wiki site is. Provide your students with examples of similar sites online that mimic the goal you have in mind. These examples may help set your students’ expectations.

Further resources

1. 50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative and Interactive Classroom