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e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates

Wikis

What is a wiki?

The wiki has been defined as “a website or database developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content” (Stevenson, 2010). Undoubtedly, the most well-known and extensive example of the wiki is Wikipedia - the largest on-line encyclopaedia that allows any visitors to insert or edit its entries. Some typical functions that can be found in wikis include browser-based editing, access control, wiki mark-up - web formatting, tracking version history, discussion pages, automated page edit alerts, and locking current page version (Leeds, 2009). Ward Cunningham, co-designer of the first wiki software called WikiWikiWeb, defined it as "the simplest online database that could possibly work.” (Matias, 2003). The name ‘wiki’ derives from the Hawaiian word meaning 'quick'. Indeed, the wiki tool is easy to set up, and it is simple to learn its functions. It is undoubtedly one of the most convenient applications available on social Web 2.0 that can be used by teachers in a number of educational contexts (Wheeler and Wheeler, 2009). In the context of EAP, like other Web 2.0 tools, the wiki allows collaborative knowledge construction and communication with peers and professors outside the classroom.

General properties of Wikis;

Wikis differ from other social softwares in terms of some of their properties. In order for a structure to be able to be a wiki, it must satisfy some rules established by the community. These properties can be summarized as follows: Not a single author is permitted: Wiki is a tool that forms its own community and provides democratic collaboration (Barton 2004). It has a simplified format language: format language of wiki is simpler and more useful than HTML. While preparing a new page, internal links can be created without requiring more programs or accessories (Lamb, 2004). Its focal point is its content: Although many wiki pages appear like a simple HTML, the quality of wiki lies under its content, not under its appearance (Turnbull, 2004). It provides version follow-up: Even the dates of the smallest changes on each page of a wiki is available to everybody. This means that any user can review the past on a page at any time. It is followed up by the community: since the processes in wikis are carried out by a community created by a number of people, observations are fast and efficient (Shirky, 2003). Therefore, no security procedure or no process of user acceptance is needed.

Typical areas of use of wikis:

Wikis are used for supporting various activities. Some areas of use of wikis are given below (Delaware IT User Services, 2008).

- Brainstorming: When a certain project or creation process is started, the participants can be invited to add articles or opinions.

- Group Projects: Wiki is a special group project and can serve as a special intranet. Thus, all participants communicate, share resources, and write reports or books.

- Meeting Support: Agendas for special meetings are added on wikis and the participants can be invited to the meetings.

- Make Lists: It is the best way for organizing the content in reaching the terms at any special area.

- Collection of Links: It enables all users to upload files, to make comments, etc.

- Writing Web Contents: It is a perfect tool in defining wiki main ideas and clearly expressing the content while writing a collective letter, position, statement and any legal subjects.

- Creating Group Portfolios: Any organization can use a wiki in order to be able to load the history and past projects of the organization. Such portfolio is a strong tool of marketing.