What+is+a+Wiki?

A wiki is a type of free on-line writing space that allows users to add, modify and update its pages. If something is missing or incorrect in a wiki and permissions allow you to edit the wiki, you can easily add your thoughts or make changes to the wiki. It is essientially a fully editable web site.

One of the most obvious benefits of using a wiki is the ability to offer a quick way to collaborate textually, while creating a content rich web site. Where the knowledge of the group is greater than an individual, and the end product is the result of the groups interactions.
 * [|Ward Cunningham] used the word "wiki" to describe the collaborative tool he developed. Wikis were named for the "Wiki-Wiki" or a Hawaiian adjective for "quick"
 * Anyone can post material without knowing HTML or a programming language.
 * The most famous wiki is the on-line encyclopedia Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WikiPedia
 * Wikis are often referred to as "collaborative web sites." People who contribute to a wiki understand that their words may be deleted or changed by others.
 * The last draft of a wiki is given the highest importance. Each time the text has been changed a new version is saved. The writing process and changes to the text can be observed through these older versions.
 * Wikis offer the ability to discuss changes before they are actually made, and track who editted what and when.
 * The process is the product. Meaning is developed and guided out of the social interactions at the point where text is created.