Wikis are an online community collection of discussion, posts, and links to various resources that connect the assessors of the Wiki. The pages posted can be viewed or edited by anyone depending upon the Wiki restrictions. The most widely used example of a Wiki is Wikipedia; a free online encyclopedia.
Here is a sample Wiki I created to address the question; How could wikis be used to promote professional development of teachers?
I would employ the use of a Wiki in a Psychology 20 class. Throughout the semester I would post various questions, comments, quotes, or issues that students would be required to respond to, or complete small research to address the issue.
Here are some sample questions I would post throughout the term:
- What is the biological basis for our behaviour?
- Do you agree with euthanasia (mercy killing)?
- Do you think we should reinstate capital punishment?
- What influence does biology have on thoughts, feelings and behaviour?
- How are traits passed from one generation to the next?
- What is genetic engineering?
- How can we manage our emotions?
- How can we minimize the effects of debilitating emotions?
- How do we form impressions about people?
- What are some biases on how we form impressions of other people?
- How do we make judgments and decisions about other people?
- How important is honesty in relationships?
- How important is honesty in terms of basic human values?
- What are some methods of conflict resolution?
Students would benefit from this activity by discussing issues further beyond the class realm. They may also feel more comfortable expressing their opinion online as opposed to in the classroom. It would allow them to use technology that is user friendly, and easy to use.
