Wikis

A wiki is a website that allows for the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser. Wikis are are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, for personal note taking, in corporate intranets, and in knowledge management systems (1).

Most wikis serve a specific purpose, and off topic material is promptly removed by the user community (1). They allow for the coordination and organisation of group input. Unlike traditional email where information is scattered across multiple users' inboxes, Wikis provide users with one location where they can access and edit information. This is much easier than managing multiple replies and responses (2).

In learning contexts, Wikis allow students to construct projects and assignments in manner that makes location almost insignificant. Students can make adjustments to eachothers work easily. Moreover, this technology is seen as a convenient alternative to other ICT's which assist individuals working in team-based projects.

References
1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
2)Wikis in Plain English, online http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=18307

REFLECTIONS
What impact will the advent of Wiki's have on email? Have you ever used Wikis for group work and/or will you in the future?