wIKIPEDIA
Description
A wiki is a website on which users collaboratively modify content and structure directly from the web browser. Wiki enables communities of editors and contributors to write documents collaboratively. A wiki allows non-linear, evolving, complex and networked text, while also allowing for editor argument, debate and interaction regarding the content and formatting. Users can also create any number of index or table-of-contents pages, with hierarchical categorization or whatever form of organization they like. The online encyclopedia project Wikipedia is by far the most popular wiki-based website, however there are tens of thousands of other wikis in use, both public and private, including wikis functioning as knowledge management resources, note taking tools, community websites and intranets. |
Key functionality
- Compatibility: Accessible through computers & mobile devices.
- Editing: Some wikis have an Edit button or link directly on the page being viewed, if the user has permission to edit the page. This can lead to a text-based editing page where participants can structure and format wiki pages with a simplified markup language. Some wikis keep a record of changes made; often, every version of the page is stored. This means that authors can revert to an older version of the page should it be necessary because a mistake has been made.
- Navigation: Within the text of most pages, there are usually a large number of hypertext links to other pages within the wiki. This form of non-linear navigation is more “native” to a wiki than structured/formalized navigation schemes.
- Security: Due to its open philosophy, wikis may be subjected to vandalism. Larger wikis often employ sophisticated methods that show characters that have been added in each edit.
Who uses the tool
Gender
Age groups
Users:
Wiki can be a support for all students in vocational training and for their teachers as well. Any subject is suitable for the creation of a wiki.
Pedagogical purposes:
- The development of a wiki can increase students’ motivation in studying because it turns them into content creators. Thus, they can be more willing to participate and take an active role in the learning process. Students can also design their personal page, which can increase their sense of ownership.
- The wiki can show deadlines, notes, announcements and everything that can be useful for students to remember. This practice can improve communication between the teacher and the students.
- All the material that has been produced remains visible on the platform and it can be revised by anybody who may need it even some time later. Connections with other pages and material can be established, so that it is also possible to easily review other content linked to the topic.
Platforms
Privacy and user data
The app collects the following types of information from all users:
- Information users provide directly to the wiki, including content and personal information;
- Information about the type of device used, type and version of the browser, language preference, type and version of the device’s operating system, which pages the user requests and visits, and the date and time of each request users make.
- Technologies, such as cookies and local storage.
The app uses this information to:
- Administer the sites, provide greater security, and fight vandalism;
- Optimize mobile applications, customize content and set language preferences, test features to see what works, and improve performance;
- Understand how users interact with the Wikimedia Sites;
- Track and study use of various features, gain understanding about the demographics of the different Wikimedia Sites;
- Analyze trends.
Link to Terms and condition page
Terms of use for Wikipedia: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Terms_of_Use/en
Privacy policy for Wikipedia: https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_policy
Using the tool for PROMOVET
Advantages
- Students can be motivated to give their contribution and actually produce content in form of small essays.
- A wiki could enable the creation of bibliography and guide lines about different topics.
- A wiki can be used for distance learning purposes.
- Developing a wiki can enhance open dialogue and community building in the class.
Disadvantages
- Structure and guidance are needed in the process of creation since some wikis may be difficult to manage.
- The teacher or the responsible person should be very careful so not to edit sensitive material and prevent vandalistic act that may occur.
- As the wiki grows, the structure can get more disorganized and difficult to control.
