Thing 15

Thing#15:  Wikis

     A Wiki is a website that allows for collaborative learning, researching and brainstorming within team and individual environments, as well as globally.  The premise behind a Wiki is simply to share information/ideas and encourage the involvement of others to provide new perspectives/approaches to the situations presented.  The best component is that information can be shared in real time, even with regards to modifications, without the tedious utilization of endless emails and phone calls.  Once changes are made... alerts are sent to other users so that they may observe and make alterations as needed.

     Within education, collaborative learning environments are highly utillized in an effort to most effectively communicate concepts to students.  Although individual aptitude, for teachers, is essential in fostering trust and confidence in students; effective teachers understand the intrinsic value of seeking best practices from other educators to ensure that they are providing the least restrictive environments and tools for students to utilize.  The other exciting component of Wiki utilization in the classroom format is that it allows students to embark in self discovery of topics by sharing information gained through research and experimentation with other students.  Additionally, students can add/alter information to further perfect the document.  Personally, I can see myself utilizing this aspect regularly to gauge the level of proficiency in understanding educational concepts.  Furthermore, it will provide students with a study guide to aid in their future learning endeavors and most importantly... it will serve as a reflection of their personal successes and demonstrate the intrinsic value of team collaboration.