WIKIS

It comes from the Hawaiian expression “wiki wiki” which stands for fast. It is a web site carried out by continuous uploads of collaborative. Those persons can add, remove or edit every page inside the wiki. The term WIKI refers to the web site as well as the software used to create and maintain the site. It is quite easy to go inside the wiki and check pages and title since they all include different browsers that can be used by registered participants and the administrator, since changes are logged with the identification of the author. “The goal of wiki sites is to become a shared repository of knowledge, with the knowledge base growing over time” Godwing, 2003. In regards to this, content needs to have a serious degree since participants have to clear about collaborating standards, willingness to follow the group and permanence in commitment to participate.

ADVANTAGES TO USING A WIKI

It is good for writing down quick ideas or longer ones, giving you more time for formal writing and editing.

Gives instant feedback without emailing documents

It keeps the group in sync.

Accessible from anywhere with a web connection

Your archive, because every page revision is kept.

WIKIS IN EDUCATION

Wiki sites can be created for specific projects with a set group of allowable users and provide an excellent collaborative environment. Your project could use a wiki whether you have a small or big groups if there aren't too many of you involved, you don't need to work in public, you're able to do all or most of your work on the wiki (constant exposure is important), and your project is really big.

WHEN USING WIKIS IN TEFL

• Students feel themselves as owners of their wiki page.
• Students can share their findings with their peers
• Wikis make Ss work collaboratively and share knowledge with each other.
• Wikis improve students reading and writing skills.

WIKIS YOU CAN VISIT

REFERENCES

·         Godwing-Jones, R. (2003) EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES Blogs and Wikis: Environments for On-line                  Collaboration Language Learning & Technology Virginia Commonwealth University [on line magazine] 7, 2. Available: http://llt.msu.edu/vol7num2/emerging/ [resource consulted: 2011, July 22]

 ·         O’Reillynet. WIKI [on line document] Available:  http://www.oreillynet.com/network/2006/07/07/what-is-a-wiki.html [resource consulted: 2011, July 12]

 ·         Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Educación. Uso educativo de las TIC, manual de consulta (Weblogs y Wikis). Módulo IV Iniciación al Internet, Servicios Básicos y Estrategias Didácticas en la Web. Mayo 2008.