How+To+Wiki

==**This page contains some context and 'big picture' information, as well as useful resources for understanding and using wikis. If you just want the quick details, go to the short directions.**==

Everyone has certainly heard of [|Wikipedia] the controversial, free, online encyclopedia that anyone can edit, but do you know what a wiki is? "A **wiki** (sometimes **wiki wiki**) is a web application designed to allow multiple authors to add, remove, and [|edit] content.[|[1]] The multiple author capability of wikis makes them effective tools for mass [|collaborative authoring].[|[2]] [|Wikipedia], an [|online encyclopedia], is one of the best-known wikis.[|[3]]" (Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 2001, November 27. Retrieved July 9, 2007, from [|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki)]
 * To Give You Some Context:**

So, a wiki is a web application that allows multiple users to collaborate to create online content. Wikipedia is, of course, the most well known site built around this technology.

Some of the benefits that make wikis so attractive are: As the use of wikis has grown over the last few years, libraries and classrooms all over the country have begun to use them to collaborate and share knowledge. Among their applications are pathfinder or subject guide wikis, book review wikis, conference wikis, library best practices wikis, classroom wikis, and student portfolio wikis.
 * Anyone (registered or unregistered if the site is unrestricted) can add, edit or delete content.
 * Tracking tools within wikis allow you to easily keep up on what has been changed and by whom.
 * Earlier versions of a page can be viewed and reinstated when needed.
 * Users do not need to know HTML in order to apply styles to text or add and edit content. In most cases simple syntax structure is used.

Use these resources to learn more about wikis:
 * Discovery Resources:**
 * [|Wiki, wiki, wiki] - from PLCMC's own Core Competency blog
 * [|Wiki’s: A Beginner’s Look] – an excellent short slide presentation that offers a short introduction and examples.
 * [|CommonCraft video] - The best wiki overview and explanation I've seen yet: clear, concise, and comprehensive.