Wiki in Language Learning

In today's digital age, technology has transformed the way we learn and acquire knowledge. One such technology that has gained popularity in education is the wiki. A wiki is a web technology used for collaborative publishing on the web. It allows users to create, edit, and publish content in a collaborative manner. In this article, we will explore the use of wikis in education, particularly in language learning. We will also discuss some free wiki tools that can be used in educational settings.

How to Use Wiki in Education

Wikis are a powerful tool in education as they promote collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among students. They provide a platform for students to actively engage in the learning process and take ownership of their education. Here are some ways in which wikis can be used in education, specifically in language learning:

1. Collaborative Writing

One of the main advantages of using wikis in language learning is the ability to engage students in collaborative writing projects. Students can work together to create and edit texts, allowing them to develop their writing skills while also learning from their peers. Collaborative writing on a wiki encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and negotiate meaning, all of which are essential skills in language learning.

2. Dynamic Group Vocabulary

Teachers can also use wikis to create a collaborative vocabulary-building process. Here is a basic framework for implementing this approach:

1. The teacher creates a template that includes all the necessary components of a word unit, such as translation, synonyms, antonyms, and contexts. This template should be comprehensive to challenge students in filling it with actual data.

2. The teacher provides a list of words that students need to learn for the course or unit. Students are then responsible for creating vocabulary entries for these words using the provided template. Each word entry becomes a separate wiki page that is linked to the vocabulary index page.

3. Students work together to decide which words they will individually focus on. They create individual pages for their designated words and link them to the word index. This creates an interactive word index where each word links to its corresponding page.

4. To keep track of their progress and contributions, students maintain a portfolio where they list the words they have worked on, linking them to their respective pages.

3. Peer Review

Peer review is an important process in improving writing skills. Peer review on a wiki encourages students to become active participants in the learning process, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in the classroom. There is no question in how effective trained peer review can be to students, especially in high school and higher education. Wikis offer adequate selection of means to provide peer review: 

1. Editing and adding comments to peer works using the “comments” feature that work similarly to ones in Microsoft Word.

2. Editing a peer contribution and comparing the before/after state with a wiki version control system.

3. Discussing overall quality of work on wiki discussion pages. All three ways of feedback and review can be used within a solid wiki-based peer review framework that is subject to future development.

4. Course Grade Book

Wikis can also serve as a course grade book, where students can track their progress, submit assignments, and receive feedback from their teachers. This provides a transparent and organized way of managing student assessments and allows students to take ownership of their learning journey. Teachers can also use the grade book feature to provide personalized feedback and monitor student progress throughout the course. Teachers need to restrict editing of the grade book to prevent students from cheating and changing marks in the grade book.

5. Project Space

Wikis can be used as a project space where students can collaborate on research projects, presentations, or group assignments. This allows for easy organization and sharing of resources, ideas, and findings. Students can create separate pages for different aspects of the project, such as research notes, data analysis, or final presentations. This promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.

6. Discussion Board

Wikis can also function as a discussion board where students can engage in a discussions related to the course content. They can ask questions, share ideas, and initiate conversations with their peers. The discussion board feature allows for asynchronous communication, meaning students can participate at their own convenience. This encourages active participation and fosters a sense of community among students.

About Free Wiki Tools

There are several free wiki tools available that can be used in educational settings. Here are some popular ones:

1. Wikispaces

Wikispaces is a highly reliable and easy-to-use free wiki platform. It offers at least 100 MB of file storage space, which is sufficient for most academic needs of a small group. Recent updates have made Wikispaces more classroom-oriented, making it a top choice for educational wiki use.

2. Wikia

Wikia is another free wiki platform that offers a more modern look and a wide range of features. It has a vast fan base, making it suitable for attracting commercially active communities. However, it may not be as suitable for educational use due to incessant advertising on every page of your wiki.

3. ZohoWiki

ZohoWiki provides a state-of-the-art interface and functions, making it a good choice for tech-savvy classrooms. It offers a modern corporate-inclined wiki experience.

4. Wiki Site

Wiki Site is a native WikiMedia-based free wiki hosting platform with limited features and resources. It can be a good option for those who prefer simplicity and are looking for a basic wiki experience.

5. WikiDot

WikiDot offers free plans for wiki sites with advertising. It provides standard wiki functionality and can be a suitable choice for those who are looking for a simple and straightforward wiki platform.

In conclusion, wikis are a valuable tool in language learning and education in general. They promote collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among students, allowing them to actively engage in the learning process. By using free wiki tools, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that foster student participation and collaboration. Whether it's collaborative writing, vocabulary building, or project-based learning, wikis offer endless possibilities for enhancing language learning experiences. So why not harness the power of wikis in your language learning classroom today?