Thing 6 - Wikis

A wiki is a type of web site that allows multiple users to easily write, edit and remove content. Wikis make it very easy to build sites with no knowledge of HTML or other markup languages. The name for this technology comes from a Hawaiian word meaning fast or quick.

You have probably heard of the most famous wiki, Wikipedia, an online collaborative encyclopedia which was first launched in 2001. There is much debate about the accuracy of the information on Wikipedia because absolutely anyone is allowed to edit it. While it is not a good idea to use Wikipedia as a primary reference source, the entries have been deemed quite accurate. The large body of editors results in quick correction of errors and eventual refinement of an entry (with some famous exceptions).

In 2005 the journal Nature did a comparative study of scientific entries from Encyclopaedia Britannica and their equivalents on Wikipedia. The findings show that there were several errors in both encyclopedias and that among the 42 entries tested; the difference in accuracy was small. The average scientific entry in Wikipedia had about 4 inaccuracies, Encyclopedia Britannica around 3 (Giles, 2005). The folks at Britannica argued that Nature's research was invalid, but you may judge for yourself by reading the study methods and objections here (click on "supplementary information" to view Word document).

More recently, Clauson, Polen, Boulos and Dzenowagis studied the scope, completeness and accuracy of drug information on Wikipedia versus the free, traditionally edited Medscape Drug Reference. They report that Wikipedia is less complete, narrower in scope and contains more errors of omission than Medscape (Clauson, 2008). The bottom line is, some wikis are more reliable than others. Keep this in mind as you explore!

Some of the uses for wikis:
1. Group communication (within or between organizations)
2. Secure file sharing
3. Collaborative writing (policies, projects, etc.)
4. Staff handbook
5. Meetings (agendas, minutes, etc.)
6. As a website (conference, event, organizational, etc.)
7. As a presentation tool (link will bring you to a wiki we used at the ICSI Colloquium 2009)

The content of the wiki will fit the needs of the creator and editors. Make sure you have a specific purpose and set some guidelines before you create your wiki.

Some of the benefits of wikis:
1. Anyone (registered or unregistered, if unrestricted) can add, edit or delete content.
2. Wikis can be completely private, public, or a combination.
3. Wikis have tracking tools that let you keep up with what has been edited and by whom.
4. Earlier versions of a page are stored and can be viewed when needed.
5. Wikis are free (they usually charge for more space and extra features)
6. Most are Web based so you can edit from any computer with an internet connection.

Resources:
Use these resources to learn more about the wonder of wikis:
1. Watch this quick Common Craft video about wikis. It will really help you understand how they work!
2. Some small businesses are using wikis for their intranet. Read about it in Online (full-text only available in network).
3. Read this article from Educause Learning Initiative: 7 Things You Should Know About...Wikis.
4. There are many wiki hosting sites. We used Google Sites to create a wiki for 8Things, but Zoho Wiki, Wetpaint, and Wikispaces are also free and popular.


Assignment

1. Take a look at some of these wikis and blog about your findings:
AskDr.Wiki
Glypho
WikiSurgery
Wookiepedia
Glee Wiki

2. Add to and edit the Explore 8 Things Wiki that we created just for you. There are ideas on the wiki about how you can contribute.

* Please email the Medical Library at MedicalLibrary@HealthPartners.com and ask to be invited to the wiki. Please include the email address you use to sign in to Blogger (Google). We will send an invite to that email address as soon as we can! The sign in link is on the bottom of the wiki, way over on the left-hand side.



Address the following questions in your blog

What do you find interesting about the wiki concept?

How was your experience editing the Explore 8 Things Wiki? Did you find it difficult?

How could you use a wiki at work?

Why did you choose this thing?

How long did this thing take you?

**Extra Challenge**
1. Visit Citizendium
This is a wiki with similar content to Wikipedia, but edited by scientists and experts. What do you think about this attempt to create a "trustworthy" online encyclopedia? Did you find any inaccuracies in your chosen field? What do you think should qualify someone as an expert for this project?
2. Create your own wiki
Choose a topic, create a wiki, add entries and then blog about your experience. See the suggestions above for free wiki hosting or visit WikiMatrix to compare and choose the best one for your needs.