Wikis

So this one is kind of late, but better a little late than never. Last week and the next few classes, we're learning about the use of Wikis in the classroom (as well as Web 2.0 tools, but that will be the next blog).

So Wikis.

What is a Wiki? Well it's a website that is used for communication with a group of people. You're supposed to be able to use Wikis better than e-mail, because the asynchronous communication on a Wiki is easier to update and make sure people are all synced up with each other much easier on a Wiki, rather than e-mail.

This also kind of explains why they're important. We're using them in two different ways for TPTE 486. One is that everyone with a similar licensure status is grouped together, and as a group, we're making Wikis based upon our respective areas of concentration. The other is one for the general classroom to give information regarding Web 2.0 tools.

While I find Wikis useful myself - and I use them from information collecting or using them for gaming - I find it hard to believe that teachers utilize them in a classroom setting. Though, it is capable of being used, even by younger age groups.

My only complaint is that if you get a large enough group functioning on a Wiki, it can be very troublesome. You see, you can allow people to edit Wikis, which is fine, but only person can be editing at a time, which can be an annoyance if you don't figure out some kind of schedule. We're currently using the pbworks.com website for the basis of our Wikis. They're easy to set up and easy to use once you the get hang of using them, so I can see why they're popular to use.

Would I ever personally use one? I'm not 100% sure, but I can definitely see the use that they would be able to have in the classroom setting. I'll stay reserved for now, and hold onto it for my personal arsenal at a later date.