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8/3/2019 aPLaNet ICT Tools Factsheets_Category4_Collaboration
Tools - Wikis
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The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language
Teachers has been funded with support from the
European Commission. This document reflects the views only of
the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible
for any use which may be made of the information contained
therein.
Category NumberIV
Collaboration tools - Wikis
Keywords
word processing, spread sheets, real-time collaboration in
document writing
URL address of suggested tools
Google Docs www.google.comWikispaces www.wikispaces.com PBworks
http://pbworksTypewithme http://typewith.me
Other suggested tools
MediaWiki www.mediawiki.orgTikiWiki www.wikispaces.com Editme
www.editme.com
Rationale
One of the most outstanding technologies developed and improved
during the last decade is the wiki engine. With this web-based
application every user is capable to create a basic interactive
website on any personal, professional or social topic, andshare it
with the user's community. Wiki resources enable each member to
search, read, add and edit articles, and thusimprove the content of
the wiki. Wiki software in the majority of cases offers free of
charge plans for small groups andindividuals. Large companies
typically need to buy an extended plan.
Basically, a wiki allows users to:
Edit pages from within a browser window. Instantly modify pages
in either individual or collaborative mode. Add links and
multimedia contents.
Wikis are thus great tools for Continuous and Autonomous
Professional Development for Teachers because they offereffective
solution for collaborative projects of educators in different
locations and time zones.
Description
Some of the main advantages of a wiki engine, that contribute to
wiki being a fascinating collaborative and knowledge basesoftware,
are that Wikis:
Require only basic programming skills and thus, are simple to
use and maintain. Provide easy text formatting and docs linking
tools. Allows creating content independently of each other and can
be reviewed and edited easily. Are in most cases free and open
source. The navigation is very simple and usually is based on a
bottom-up structure approach. Enables connection to other wikis and
other applications. Have broad fields of application.
Resources required
Wikis are designed to be run immediately without any downloads
from the web browser. Wiki tools are very user-friendly andsuitable
for less experienced technology users.
Obligatory resources
Desktop computer or laptop Internet connection An e-mail address
Registration and logging in at the chosen wiki application
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8/3/2019 aPLaNet ICT Tools Factsheets_Category4_Collaboration
Tools - Wikis
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2
The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language
Teachers has been funded with support from the
European Commission. This document reflects the views only of
the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible
for any use which may be made of the information contained
therein.
Cost
Suggested tools
Google Docs: Free Wikispaces: Partially (large companies need tp
purchase a special plan, individuals and small groups do not pay)
Pbworks: Partially (to get upgraded features you need to purchase
them) Typewithme: Free
Another useful tools
MediaWiki: Free TikiWiki: Free Editme: Free
Implementation methodology
Wikis are excellent collaborative, storage and sharing
platforms. This characteristics make them ideal for managing
coursestructure, and handle as well distant and or blended learning
courses.
For educators there is a number of options for exploiting the
Wiki tools:
This technology tool is ideal for project-based learning, cross
curricular projects but also bigger school projects orinternational
projects.
Wikis enable to organise and deliver course content in a variety
of formats: blended, distant, task based, peercollaboration.
Help organise course contents, keep track of requirements,
assignments, grades, attendance. Encourage team work since they
enhance immediate feedback and can be edited. Provide appropriate
information (videos, reading, links and resources) related to
subject content or studied topic for
further use and development.
Keep records of learner work and progress. Professional
development related to collaborative projects with other educators
or displaying professional e-Portfolios.
To start on-line educational activities requires soft skills
including appropriate course design, training of teachers, time
to
prepare contents, and time for tracking students and promoting
on-line activities. Usage of notes and course notes needs to
be prepared.
Stage one:
Evaluation of Internet Collaboration and Wiki tools
available.Stage two:
Analysis and consideration of the number of class, size of
classes, technical understanding of the tool, financial
andtechnical restraints.
Stage three:
Creating a class system. Setting up moderator tools if desired.
Planning on-line collaboration rules. Training students in its use
and setting user-profiles. Producing documents and contents
collaboratively.
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8/3/2019 aPLaNet ICT Tools Factsheets_Category4_Collaboration
Tools - Wikis
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3
The project Autonomous Personal Learning Networks for Language
Teachers has been funded with support from the
European Commission. This document reflects the views only of
the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible
for any use which may be made of the information contained
therein.
Useful tips
To effectively integrate a Wiki in the classroom, students must
participate in the process of sharing information and
demonstrating understanding of content with the teacher and
other students. Teacher can track the number of students
contributions and should check for irrelevant content.
.
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