Wiki's in the classroom.

When most educators think of using Wikipedia in their classroom it is a strict no, no policy. The reason for this is because of the definition of a wiki.
     A website developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content via a web browser.

 Although this is the definition of a wiki; this is not it scope. A wiki follows the limits that they designers sets. Yes, text can be edited by anyone; but mistakes can be easily changed. The creator can see a log of who changes the content of the pages and if it is not aligned with the designer wants you can quickly restore previous revisions. Watch lists can be made to prevent vandalism and it allows us to teach our children about validity.

Students thru the use of a wiki in the classroom create a constructivist educational setting in which the students collaborate a synchronously to make a product. This helps them to situate cognition. A wiki also follows the 7 aspects of meaningful learning.

1. It has to be ACTIVE.
2. It has to be CONSTRUCTIVE
3. It has to be COLLABORATIVE
4. It has to be CONTEXTUALIZED
5. It has to be REFLECTIVE  
6. It has to be  INTENTIONAL
7. It has to be CONVERSATIONAL