lansinglearntech wiki / Wikis

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What is a wiki?

The term "wiki" is derived from the Hawaiin phrase "wiki wiki" which loosely translates to "quick". The original wiki was created by a software developer, and title "wiki wiki web" - or quick web. It is an easy to use mechanism for building a web page, editing it in "real time" and allowing others to contribute to it. It can be hosted by the creator, or by a wiki provider.

How can I use wikis with my students?

Wikis can be used in the classroom in one of two ways. First, as a source of research information from publi wikis such as wikipedia. Students can launch a research project from a site like these that will give them basic information and reference pages on the web.

You can also create a wiki for your class as a way of kicking off a project - you start the page, and students add their research, upload presentation materials, etc. It can be used to share students work with parents, by uploading creative writing, reports, digital images of art work, or video clips of students in class activities. It can inspire creative writing - start with one sentence, and have students each add one sentence and see where to story goes from there. It can be a way to collaborate between student teams, other classes or other schools.