Wikis - part II

I have used wikis for a few years now.  I think that they have a few advantages for me:

1. I don't have to carry papers -- I live in Williamsburg, so this is a big help.
2. I don't need to carry and possibly lose a memory flash drive.
3. I can correct papers on Word or other word processor and the wiki keeps most of the colors, fonts, etc. used on Word.
4. Students don't lose their papers, dogs don't eat homework, even if the sick grandma or dead grandpa lives in other state, students can still post something. They cannot say that they cannot afford a flash drive, because they can post anything on the wiki.
5. Students are able to add PowerPoint®, Word®, and several other files without having to change anything.
6. I write once and just link it to a different wiki/class.
7. I can post the notes I type during class, or other general notes, and students can print them or just copy them.  They may also add extra notes.

Everything I mentioned above can be done with Blackboard.  However, I can correct homework without having to pull any documents from "My Content System" or the Drop Box or File Exchange.  For some reason, I have never been able to use the last two without any problems.


But the great advantage is that after the students graduate, they still have access to their work.  Usually, Blackboard closes the student's account three months or so after graduation.


I have used wikis for the following activities:

1. Portfolios
2. Group or partner compositions
3. Class compositions (during the summer I have smaller classes and the whole class can write a composition)
4. Student presentations (they don't forget them at home!)
5. Compositions
6. Audio and video introductions - students introduce themselves with video or audio
7. Class notes
8. I post videos how-to videos

I like wikis, because they are simple, easy, and fast.