Week 7: Wikis

One Wiki that most people are already familiar with is Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org/). Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that allows the users to edit content. Even though many people criticize Wikipedia, I find it useful for student-based research. I do have students confirm there findings with other sources, just like they should for any other resources.

I found this Blog "10 Best Practices For Using Wikis in Education" (http://itcboisestate.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/10-best-practices-for-using-wikis-in-education/), and it stated some good tips for using Wikis for interactive classroom use. A couple of tips that stuck out were; 1) Post conventions and rules, 2) Create an atmosphere of trust, and 3) Include common goals.

I also found this resource "The Connected Classroom" (http://theconnectedclassroom.wikispaces.com/). This site contained a good amount of information about using Wikis in educational settings. There was also a video similar to the "Shift Happens" videos, which reinforced the reasons for making the shift to a more technology driven educational experience.

I believe that Wikis have a value in education. They allow people from many different locations and/or backgrounds to combine their thoughts towards a common understanding or goal. This is why they can benefit any educational or research based field. There are risks too. Many Wikis allow anyone to edit or post information without proof of expertise in that field. This can make that Wiki unreliable and possibly deceptive.