Wiki+Basics

**Brief Description:**
A [|wiki] is a web site that allows users to add, remove, and otherwise edit and change content. At its core, a wiki is a simple online database in which each page is easily edited by any user with a Web browser; no special software or third party webmaster is needed to post content. It also allows for linking among any number of pages. Each article contains a discussion page where editors and readers can talk about the document. By looking at the history of a page, users can track changes and compare the versions of a document. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for [|collaborative writing].

**Example Applications:**

 * Co-create documents.
 * Learning and training (see [|http://www.un-instraw.org/wiki/training/index.php/Main_Page)]
 * Create information resources (such as this site!).
 * Plan and document meetings and events.
 * Translate materials (see [|http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/afrophonewikis/)]
 * Examples of Wikis in International Development

**Full Description:**
A wiki is a collection of web pages that can be easily edited by anyone, at any time, from anywhere. A wiki's versioning capability can show the evolution of thought processes as contributors interact with content, helping us to focus more on content and less on who is contributing what. This can be a big culture change. It takes a while to get used to the idea that someone else can change what you wrote. But that also means they can IMPROVE it! So it is a bit like thinking together.

Often people have only one model of wiki practices from the most globally visible wiki, [|Wikipedia]. Wikipedia is a site that uses wiki software. It is not the only model of use. There are many other ways to use wikis in various development contexts. Many organizations are experimenting with wikis as online learning spaces, knowledge and information sharing tools and event documentation.

Like any tool, wikis present some challenges. One of these is [|vandalism]. Wiki pages are by default open; however, they can be set up to provide selective access, or to be entirely closed. For this reason, the Knowledge Cafe requires a login in order to add or change a page. Wikis can also grow into messy spaces, so it is important to keep tending or "gardening" your wiki by cleaning up pages, creating indexes and using tools like the left navigation bar to make it easier for readers to find things. Most wikis are not useful for those who do not have Internet access.

Here is a quick video about wikis: media type="custom" key="132235"

[|Click To Play]

Here, with Spanish subtitles.

And other languages here: http://dotsub.com/films/wikisinplainenglish/index.php?autostart=true&language_setting=es_712

**More Information/References/Related Resources:**
What is a wiki - http://onewisdom.pbwiki.com/WhatsaWiki a great site giving introduction and examples of wikis in use
 * Sobre Wikis http://www.slideshare.net/ovando/sobre-wikis/
 * WikiMatrix - a site to help select a wiki platform http://www.wikimatrix.org/
 * Wiki Pedagogy in French - for learning applications http://www.profetic.org/dossiers/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=110
 * Wiki Facilitation
 * http://www.wikithat.com/ a blog about using wikis
 * [|http://www.wikimatrix.org] a site that compares various wiki engines/tools
 * Nice intro/overview: http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf
 * Educational Potential: [|www.e-learningcentre.co.uk]
 * Wikis and elearning: [|www.ascilite.org.au]
 * Ways to use Wiki in Education: [|www.scienceofspectroscopy.info]