Publishing web pages is easier than ever. No longer does it require HTML and complicated web coding. Commercial wiki software makes publishing a breeze. What is “wiki software”? It is a collaborative software that runs a wiki (a website where users can collaboratively modify content from a web browser). Users can create and edit “pages” or entries from a browser. Wiki software can act as a filing system or database for institutions.

The College of Wooster currently hosts a campus-wide wiki solution (Confluence), members of the campus community may wish to try out external wiki publishing options. Below are a few free wiki solutions that members of Educational Technology have used for past projects.

PBWorks

PBworks hosts more classroom wikis than anyone else in the world, and lets you create a simple, secure wiki in about 60 seconds. It allows you to designate your wiki public or private or anywhere in between.  Along with access from your computer, it is viewable from iPads and smartphones. A basic academic wiki for 100 users is free. Other plans start at $109 per year for the “classroom” package. You are able to upgrade your free account at any time.

Wikipedia

Perhaps the most popular wiki in the world, students use wikipedia on a regular basis researching topics for class.  What many students and faculty do not recognize is how easy it is to edit entries.  Assignments where students create or edit wikipedia articles can be very successful as students interact outside the “campus bubble”.  Go ahead, edit The College of Wooster’s page.  Just click “edit” add some new content, and click “save”.