WIKI

"Wiki-Wiki-Wiki!" "Fast-Fast-Fast!" "What I Know Is!" Whatever you want to call it or whatever moniker we give it, one thing is definitely sure - "Wiki" is one of the most useful bits of technology available to teachers and administrators. I had, of course, heard of Wiki before, and, like most of you, it was only through the Wikipedia website. What I have recently learned has again revealed my permanent place in the untechnologically advanced section of the room. Basically, Wiki allows for the creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages. What this means is fairly simple - we can create a Web page, which can be accessed by interested parties; the information can be edited to serve any purpose; and links can be added to other web pages.
Imagine, if you will, trying to organize a project through Email. Every Email would need to be read, responded to, and then your response forwarded to all those involved. The more people involved in your project, the more taxing and annoying this process would be. With Wiki you could simply set up a web page with the necessary information. Others would then be able to edit that information in whatever way needed and save it. At which time, it would be readily available to the other members of your group for reading and editing. I don't know, but this just seems a lot easier.
I don't know what all Wiki could be used for in a school, but I have managed to think of a few applications: 1) Student and/or teacher collaboration on a group project; 2) Department supply lists for the upcoming year; 3) Ideas for possible topics needing to be covered at faculty meetings; and 4) Managing repairs needed in rooms by category (paint, technology, floor tiles, etc.).
I know I am going to try and find several uses for this helpful technology. "Make way for Wiki!"