Using Wikis in the Classroom

Wikis are websites that allow visitor participation by giving them the opportunity to contribute content, or edit and revise contributions made by other visitors. Wikis are constantly under revision, and the information is always being improved by contributors who have something more to offer. The ultimate purpose of a wiki is the sharing of the creative process and product by many. You may be familiar with wikis through the most popular one, Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia.

The potential for use in the classroom has not fully been utilized by many teachers, but can easily be implemented for a number of constructive purposes. Teachers who participate in professional developments can utilize a wiki in order to collaborate with colleagues on the implementation of acquired knowledge and strategies with those who did not participate. Through a wiki, teachers can work together and develop a consensus of what works for them, as a school or team, and in the process, develop a school culture among professionals.

Another way wikis could be used in the classroom is for collaboration between teachers and parents as a communication tool. Creating and utilizing wikis with parents can contribute to a sense of community among parents, and also give them a sense of belonging in the classroom.

Wikis may also be utilized in the creative process when it comes to students developing classroom projects and presentations. With Google products, like Slides and Docs, sharing and collaborating is facilitated, but a wiki also offers the potential for creative expression. It doesn't have to be simply about working together. A wiki may be used to facilitate in the creation of classroom culture, where everyone has the opportunity to be a contributor in some way.

Overall, I believe there is a lot that wikis offer the classroom most teachers have failed to see. I, for one, was never really aware of the idea of using wikis in the classroom before doing a little research for this blog post. But, that being said, collaborative works in a Google Doc have been one of the ways my colleagues and I would collaborate on making a test, or creating content for a curriculum.