Using Wikis

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As generations go by, technologies are becoming more and more advanced. Computers are one such example. Over the years computers have advanced from the size of a room to the size of an A4 textbook size, not to mention the numerous softwares and applications it uses. From reading the article on Wikis by Brian Lamb, I’ve gained a better understanding of what wiki is or is about, how it works and how it can be used.

Wiki has grown more popular with online users. It is a software which allows users to do many things. One is to view their thoughts and ideas and communicate with the outside world, similar to a blog. However, it is entirely different at the same time. The contents created by the users, as Brian said, can “proceed rapidly, with contributions from every member of the unit” instead of individual web users. Although this is a benefit, I personally do not think it is safe for children to use as wikis don’t require the creators’ permission or password from viewers edit the contents.

Brian also commented that wiki lacked “hard security and privacy” as well as the “absence of an explicit organising structure”, which in my sense could be problematic if using it with children. Children will be lost since wiki has no common structure where children can be given directions of where to do and what to do.

Another concern that I have found would be the lack of interesting designs or layout. As children are more attracted to colourful and interesting designs, they would become remote to wiki on this matter. Although it is possible to add designs and layout through the “Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)” to the page, it requires a more sophisticated knowledge which would be difficult to teach children in the stage and time that they are in.

One advantage to wiki software which Brian pointed out which I also agree is that wiki enhances students’ writing as well as reading skills. Not only does wiki promotes students’ writing but “closed writing of essays” are also been viewed by other professionals other than their teacher. The software can also record group work.

Overall, I think wiki should be used or taught to students at an older age as they have a better understanding of the outside community than students in primary schools. With the lack of security and privacy unwanted viewers such as spammers can’t be avoided.