Using Wikis for Learning and Collaboration
Similar to Web 2.0, which makes use of newer web technologies for sharing information, eLearning 2.0 uses new technologies to distribute information, share knowledge and collaborate. Everyone knows about Wikipedia, a grand example of a wiki, but what about using smaller wikis in your workplace?
Several years ago, it seemed as though every forward-thinking organization had a wiki strategy. If you didn’t jump on the bandwagon then, now might be the time to consider a wiki to promote and facilitate learning and collaboration. Social-based tools are gaining acceptance in the workplace.
Wiki Defined
A wiki is a collaborative web site that collects and organizes content, created and revised by its users. The most well-known example is Wikipedia. Wikis are a way to grow a knowledge base around a particular content area, be it best practices in a particular field or how to use a specific piece of software. Some organizations allow any registered user to contribute; others limit contributors to a particular department or group.
Features
A hallmark of Web 2.0 is that it improves as more people use it and this approach underlies wiki-based learning. It is based on the idea that within any enterprise, a great deal of knowledge exists among the members. Sharing this knowledge and information can raise the organization’s intelligence level, be it a university, an association, a corporation or club. The wiki is a tool for the Enterprise 2.0.
An important feature of a wiki is that information should be easily accessible. For example, suppose an organization rolls out new software that novice users are finding difficult to use. Power users of that software could contribute tips and guidance on various software procedures through the wiki. The goal would be for novice users to access the wiki on their organization’s intranet, search for the task and quickly find the answer.
Possible Uses
Wikis can be used when an organization needs to collect and distribute information:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Knowledge base for a specific IT or Human Resource related topic
- Technical help for customers
Wikis can be used when geographically dispersed team members need to collaborate. The wiki format is good for adding information and getting feedback from team members:
- Use to find group solutions to a problem
- Use to develop standards
- Use as a database of experiences with relevant stories
- Use to gather requirements for a new product
Advantages
There is a reason that many people are attracted to wikis for learning.
- Wikis can be private or public.
- You can get wiki software at no cost or at a very low cost. (See Resource links below.)
- They only require basic programming skills for installation, setup and maintenance.
- Contributors create content independently of each other, so that multiple people can be working on the site at the same time.
- Wikis can be applied to just about any content area.
- Users find them easy to search and navigate.
- Wikis can potentially build community
Developing Community
Wikis develop a sense of community. They typically have a history page that lists the original contributor of an article and those who have edited and made revisions. This type of open collaboration provides contributors with a sense of ownership. In addition, when writers come from within your organization they can add a flavor of real-world expertise that others in the organization may find appealing, helping them to buy-in to the wiki community.
General Tips
When you build a wiki community, experts suggest these guidelines to help make it a success:
- Ensure the goal of the wiki is clear, then communicate this to your organization
- Determine who the users will be
- Ensure there is a moderator/editor to ensure contributions fit the goal and format
- Provide clear instructions on how to use a wiki and how to contribute
- Promote a culture of friendly collaboration in the wiki
To read a case study of a wiki launch in a pharma company, see Case Study of a Wiki Changing an Enterprise
Wiki Software
- Wikispaces (free and low-cost wiki software)
- Mediawiki (free software engine used for Wikipedia)
- TikiWiki (open source and free wiki software)
- DokuWiki (targeted at developer teams and small companies)
Wiki Examples
Check out these public wiki examples:
- SAP Community Network
- Catawiki: a wiki of catalogs for collectors
- Open Street Map: creates and provides free geographic data and mapping
- Wikitionary: a multilanguage dictionary
Related Books
- The Complete Guide to Wikis: How to Set Up, Use, and Benefit from Wikis for Teachers, Business Professionals, Families, and Friends: Chatfield, 2009.
- Social Media for Trainers: Techniques for Enhancing and Extending Learning: Bozarth, 2010.
- Social Media at Work: How Networking Tools Propel Organizational Performance: Jue, Marr and Kassotakis; 2009
- Exploring Web 2.0: Second Generation Interactive Tools - Blogs, Podcasts, Wikis, Networking, Virtual Words, And More: Bell, 2009.
- Wikis for Dummies: Woods and Theony, 2007.
Does your workplace use wikis? Tell us about it below.
Connie, thanks for this inspiring post. I recently started experimenting with a wiki for one of my writing classes. It’s not all that collaborative yet, but I wanted to get familiar with the software first and then open it up to others for content. I find Wikispaces really easy to work with and would recommend it to others.
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Connie Malamed Reply:
March 12th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Hi Joanne,
That’s great. Please check in again and let us know how it grows!
Connie
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This was a great introduction to wikis! The Federal Government actually uses a robust wiki for collaboration, document production/management, knowledge management, data collection, online meetings, etc. It is called MAX. If any readers here work for any agency of the Federal Government, I suggest checking it out at max.gov
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Connie Malamed Reply:
March 15th, 2012 at 9:27 am
That’s great to know, Kelly. Good to know the US Govt is in on this too, as I’m sure it adds to efficiency and increases organizational knowledge. Thanks for letting us know.
Connie
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Wikis are ideally designed to be the most useful training resource in the workplace of the future.
“As the pace of technological change speeds up, many jobs will require constant adaptation, because of new information and new task requirements. In this context, the distinction between learning and work will disappear. A trend toward integrating training with on-the-job activities will be a result. This trend will extend itself to the point that training, as a distinct function, will no longer be the primary learning vehicle for many types of jobs. Works will use on-the-job information systems instead.” — Attributed to Tony O’Discroll, “Achieving Desired Business Performance: A framework for Developing Human Performance Technology in Organizations, 1999 International Society for Performance Improvement”
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One of the integrated social media and professional development tools in our free learning community is called “WikiTasks.” The tool helps members to post and access teaching and learning tasks developed with another tool known as TaskBuilderOnline. For example:
1. Lessons and training plans
2. Formative or summative assessments
3. Scoring tools such as rubrics
4. Graphic or advance organizers
5. Data displays
6. Action plans
7. PD Agenda
8. eLearning program content
The WikiTasks tool allows members to access, clone, and edit available content in these types of teaching tasks independently or collaboratively. The “Wiki It” option makes a task available to all LearningFront members without any restrictions for making changes to WikiTask content and format. This option works best for getting feedback from the broadest audience in the WikiTask space of LearningFront. The “Moderate It” option makes a task available to all LearningFront members with restrictions for making changes to a WikiTask content and format. This option requires approval to changes anyone suggests before the revised task appears in the WikiTask space of LearningFront. This option works best for ensuring control over changes made to a WikiTask. And a WikiTasks search facilitates finding WikiTasks posted by all members.
You are cordially invited to try WikiTasks here:
http://www.learningfront.com
And we are offering a free webinar series that demonstrates the use of WikiTasks with the new Common Core State Standards for mathematics and English/Language Arts:
http://www.learningfront.com/Media/Webinars.pdf
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Connie Malamed Reply:
March 27th, 2012 at 9:54 am
Thanks for taking the time to write this. And thanks for the invite, Nick.
Best,
Connie
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