Where does the word "wiki" come from?

It is derived from the Hawaiian word wiki wiki, meaning quickly

What is a Wiki?

Wikis provide spaces for individuals and groups to quickly collaborate online. It provides a venue for easy web-publishing that does not require specialized training or experience in web publishing to use.

This table from the Encyclopedia of Educational Technology at San Diego State University highlights the differences between a wiki and a web page:

Who uses Wikis?

Many people! Professionals, friends, students, educators, scholars,  or just about any one and everyone that wishes to have an easy way to share and collect content.

Can a wiki replace some of the existing ways I do things or is it just something else I have to manage?

A Wiki can definitely replace some conventional methods or workflows you might currently use  through email, as well as open up new opportunities for just-in-time collaboration. This video clip illustrates an example of this.

How is a Wiki different than myLesley/Blackboard?

A wiki compliments your myLesley course site by providing a venue for you and your students to create and edit content dynamic. To date, discussions boards have provided and area for individuals to comment about work, post attachments, but not co-edit a piece of content on screen.  You can add a link within your myLesley course to your wiki for students to access and use.

Are there downsides?

There can be. The most common concerns are wrong or misinformation that can be posted to a broad audience. At the same time, this can and does happen through email as well. Sites such as Wikipedia may not have the stringent review standards that print publishers use.

Please explore the Wiki Examples area to see how wikis are being used in courses.