Wikis


 * __What Is A Wiki?__**

A wiki (derived from the Hawaiian word for fast) is an online database that is made entirely of content written by the people who use it. Most wikis do not require a user to register with a website to be able to edit articles, so all a user needs is an Internet connection. They are usually limited to a specific subject (example: [|a Batman wiki]) or a broader category (example: [|a DC comics wiki]), or are not limited at all (example: [|Wikipedia]).


 * __Can I Use A Wiki As A Source?__**

Many teachers do not like students using wikis as sources since there is no guarantee that whoever edits a wiki will information that is 100% accurate. Also, because wikis can be edited by almost anyone, they are easy for people to vandalize. Because some wikis, like Wikipedia, are so well known, some teachers feel that using them for sources means that a student is being lazy or isn't trying very hard on an assignment



Even if your teacher doesn't want you using wikis as a source, you can still use it to help your research.


 * __How Can Wikis Help Me Research?__**

Even though wikis have a reputation for being unreliable, some studies have shown that wikis are almost as good as professionally-prepared encyclopedias. While maybe not reliable enough to use as a source, they can provide support for your research in several ways.

Additional Sources: Most wiki articles will have a list of sources at the bottom. These would include articles that were cited, books that had their information summarized, or links to websites with related information.



Keywords: On some wikis, an article will have a list of keywords related to them. For example, the Wikipedia article on Magic recommends you look up the article for Witchcraft.



Background Information: Reading a wiki article on a subject can give you more ideas for keywords of your own. After reading an article on Thomas Jefferson, for instance, you may want to look up the Louisiana Purchase to help you write about why Jefferson was a great president.


 * __What Else Should I Know About Wikis?__**

Keep in mind that a wiki is only as informative as the people who edit it. A wiki can have hundreds of editors and still have mistakes while another wiki can have four editors and still be the best wiki on research strategies that you could be reading right now (wink wink). When reading a wiki, only you can decide if the information you're reading is good or not, so use your good judgment when using wikis to help your research.

Leaver, Tama. "Wikipedia: What’s in it for Teachers?" //Screen Education// Autumn 2009: 38-42.
 * Sources:**

S, Rebecca. "4 Ways to Use Wikipedia (hint: Never Cite It) | GearFire - Tips for Students." Gearfire - Tips for Students. 13 Nov. 2007. Web. .

"TeachersFirst: Wiki Walk-Through: The Basics." Wiki Walk-Through. Teachers First. Web. .

"Wikipedia: friend or foe?" //Learning & Leading with Technology// 36.6 (2009): 8+. Academic OneFile. Web. 14 Nov. 2010.