Wikis and Document Collaboration
Wiki (pronounced wee-kee) is a document collaboration tool. It allows multiple editors to work on a document in a web-based environment. Collaborators only need a web browser and Internet connection - no other local applications are required. Depending on the application, a wiki may be password protected for viewing and or editing, or open to the public.
An example of a public wiki is Wikipedia. Most wikis have tracking/recent changes function. It lists the latest updates to the document, when the changes are made, and by whom. In most cases, it is possible to revert to previous version.
Depending on how one envisions using the Wiki in a course, the DMP can help in deciding the best available wiki system that meets the course's needs.
Please contact us if you want to be part of the pilot and for suggestions/comments/questions.
Here are some of the wiki and document collaboration options that the DMP can help you with:
Blackboard Wiki
**NEW** For use in your courses, you can use the Blackboard wiki tool which probably is the simplest wiki to setup for course related assignments. Please see the Blackboard support site on wikis for details.
Google Docs
**NEW** Now that Ryerson has Google Apps for Education, Google Docs and Drive are available. This tool makes it very easy to collaborate on documents with others - even if you are all editing at the same time! If you would like to try out Google Docs & Drive in your course, the DMP would be happy to help you explore the possibilities! Please contact us.
Wordpress Wiki Plugin
Ryerson's installation of Wordpress Multisite blog.ryerson.ca has a wiki plugin. This allows a blog site to have a wiki feature. The blog owner can configure who has access and what kind of access to the wiki.
What can you use Wiki for?
- Collaborative work on documents, knowledge base, work flow, etc.
- Share content
- Syndicating/Aggregating web resources
Resources
Teaching and Learning Articles
- Wikis and Podcasts and Blogs! Oh, My! What is a Faculty Member Supposed to Do? (McGee & Diaz, 2007)
- Wiki-based Collaborative Learning (Umar, 2007)
