An information skills workout: wikis and collaborative writing

Abstract

The Free Encyclopedia, expanding an existing wiki project, or creating original content for a new wiki, collaborative writing projects allow young people the opportunity to exercise their minds and apply essential information skills to authentic activities. For instance, individuals, classes, and clubs at different points along an earthquake fault might analyze ground movement and share their findings on a wiki. The Social Justice Movement wiki was originally created by college students but is now open to the public. After setting up the space for her students at Wikispaces, her students jumped into the project, creating chapter summaries, character pages, and topical resources They also created cross-references within their wiki and linked to outside resources.