WIKISPACES!

The role of WIKIS in Elearning

Phyllis Ombonyo

ICT Specialist, RATN

Introduction

•A wiki is an online system that allows the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser

•A wiki software/engine/application is a website that allows users to collaboratively create and edit web pages using a web browser

Why a wiki?

•WIKIs are highly flexible knowledge management space as opposed to other content management systems. •Unlike blogs, discussion forums etc, wikis have no inherent structure hardcoded into the wiki technology. They can thus be interconnected and organized as required• In addition, while a blog is the writings of one person to be read by many, a wiki allows anyone to add and edit content.

Pros and Cons of WIKIs

Pros

Open to collaboration, creation of documents without a detailed technical knowledge, allows user to track the development of ideas, encourage cross-linking etc

Cons

Some have no page-locking, if 2 people edit one page simultaneously, one set of changes may be silently deleted.

Social issues crop up on pages dealing with controversial topics e.g. abortion and religious perspectives

Application of WIKIs in My Context

•Students can use a wiki to develop research projects•In E-Learning, the tutor can publish resources e.g. the syllabus and handouts and students can edit and comments on these.•Knowledgebase for teachers, enabling them to share reflections and thoughts•Mapping of concepts•Group authoring•Course evaluations etc

Conclusive remarks

I have created my wiki using wikispaces.com as my engine and have invited you to join as a member. The link is: http://lifelonglearning-phyllis.wikispaces.com/

I urge us to carry on with learning by making use of such tools long after the course is gone!