How to Use Wikis in Class

by Cathy Garland, VP of Marketing for Scholar360 LMS

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Ways to Wiki
Open source and free, or hosted for a fee, these applications are among many wiki software options:
  • Brainkeeper – Provides knowledge management tools.  Prices based on the number of log-ins required.
  • ClearWiki – A hosted wiki that enables users to search within common files types like PEFs.
  • EditMe – Hosting service provides custom wikis for a monthly fee but no marketing services.
  • Paux – Free, Java-based open-source software.
  • MediaWiki – The free software Wikipedia uses for its websites boasts lots of features and can support high traffic.
  • MoinMoin – Another free application.  Users can get help from MoinMoin developers.
  • Socialtext – Provides “wiki appliances,” or dedicated boxes, for deployment at customers’ sites as well as hosting wikis in the company’s data center for a few dollars per user per month.  Services include marketing the wiki to users.
  • StikiPad – Simple enough for small-scale purposes but can be customized for big projects.  Price is based on storage capacity, with an entry-level allocation of 30MB available for free.
  • WetPaint – A free hosted wiki that’s easy to learn and edit.  Some wiki users say it’s good for first-timers.
Mistakes That Can Sink Your Wiki
 
  1. An unclear purpose.  Wikis fail when their scope isn’t clearly defined and the benefits clearly elaborated.
  2. An “anything goes” attitude.  You want to encourage users to contribute and discuss wiki content, but someone has to make sure it stays relevant.  Wiki administrators must keep pages and entries clean and orderly or the wiki won’t be useful.
  3. The wrong software.  It may be tempting to download free software and build your own wikis.  But before you do, say experienced wiki creators, make sure someone has the time to maintain the pages.  Similarly, don’t jump into a contract to have a vendor host your wiki if you can effectively manage it yourself.  (And, don’t forget to check your LMS provide to see if they provide a wiki feature.)
  4. Ignoring feedback.  Usability is critical to wiki success.  Experts advise that you start a wiki with a small group of users, and that you pat attention to what they say about how the wiki looks and functions.