Using Wikis

Wikis were first used in 1995 by Ward Cunningham. Their name originates from the Hawaiian word wiki-wiki meaning very fast or quick (Department of Education, 2010). It is a type of website that allows users to edit, change add or delete content. As anyone can edit a wiki page that is posted on the internet, schools would need to use wikis in the classroom that are behind fire walls or on the intranet to assure that the information is safe and adheres to the internet safely laws. Wikis are a great tool to use in schools because they allow the students to collaboratively work together and bounce ideas to build on knowledge content. They support communication and contribution at times that suit the learners (Department of Education, 2009).
About a year ago, I created a wiki program using Wetpaint.com. I created an e.learning lesson that focused on genetic engineering using a Wiki. I created this page about a year ago because one of the Students Grandfather was to undergo a liver transplant and the topic of discussion arose as to what would happen and then we were discussing genetic engineering. The learners were really curious as to what this was so I created a learning experience for them to complete in their own time about genetic engineering. As it was not part of the Science unit plan, it still had learning outcomes that needed to be achieved (see geneticengineering08.wetpaint.com). This Wiki site allowed the students all to learn about what genetic engineering was and what they needed to achieve in the task. I went through instructions in the classroom as to how they follow the links on the left hand column of the page. I wish that I knew how to put a Voki Avatar on the introduction page but I created one and then had difficulty uploading it onto my Wiki page.

I have realised the possibilities of using Wikis in the classroom. Students can gather into groups and complete tasks at home and at school as a collaborative learning task. Learning managers can create assessment units or tasks for the students to work through and complete. Overall, I found that wiki using Wetpaint was easy and sequential to use and hyperlinks and resizing of pictures can be used to create the best possible page. They could also be used as a form of a personal digital portfolio to showcase student work and also used as an ongoing refection tool for students.
Let me know what you think.
Until next time,
Amy