Article 10: Why wikis?

Reynard, R. (2009). Why wikis? Campus Technology. Retrieved from http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2009/02/04/Why-Wikis.aspx?Page=4

Article Summary:
Knowledge construction and collaboration of learners is not a new idea, but using a wiki to support these ideas is new. A wiki can support and facilitate collaboration and knowledge construction among students. Educators are usually focused on giving knowledge to their students, but don't necessarily focus on whether those students maintain that knowledge. Knowledge can be developed through a wiki because the students not only understand what they hear or read, but they have to incorporate that knowledge and apply it into a relevant situation. Educators typically focus on information recall but don't always evaluate how knowledge is developed. A wiki is a dynamic setting because people can edit and add and change the information on the site. As knowedge is gained and improved upon, the wiki will change as well. Wikis can be used for collaborative writing that depends on participation of several students at once. This promotes communication and collaboration which are important skills for students to possess. Having a public place to post information also motivates students to "own" their ideas and ensure that what they are posting is accurate.

My Thoughts:
I think wikis are a great resource for student collaboration. Most people think that Wikipedia is not a reliable source for information, but the fact that it is a dynamic resource, it is constantly being updated by more knowledgeable people. If the information posted on a wiki is incorrect, it is not likely to last very long on the wiki before someone updates and improves the information. I think that learning to collaborate with other students is a great skill for kids to have. Communicating with peers is important and teaches kids to be better collaborators in college or society, in general. Also, by posting information onto a site that other people could learn from, students have to truly understand the material in order to conceptualize it and put it into writing. Studies show that the best way to learn something is to teach someone else. A wiki will provide that opportunity for students.