Wikis for Writing

A Wiki is a web 2.0 tool that allows the user to create, view and modify documents on the internet. It supports the collaborative nature of the internet with has emerged into a social networking environment.

The collaborative quality of wikis is a very important aspect to consider especially as a teacher. Giving students the opportunity to share their ideas and their peers being able to read those thoughts and make additions makes for a very interactive class.

Students would feel a sense of ownership for a project that is produced with the use of a wiki. When all students have some input and they know that their input is valued by their peers and their teacher they are more motivated to participate in writing projects. A sense of ownership, leads to increased interest.

As teachers in a writing class the ultimate goal would be for our students to become independent writers. Students would attain independence with the right instruction, motivation and brilliant tools like the wiki.