Wikis for Learning

Wikis are collaborative websites that allows users to modify and create content. Since students can use wikis to create drafts, make changes, post comments and "publish" final results, they are well-suited for collaborative learning and writing activities. Wikis also enable students and their instructors to review document histories, offering opportunities for students to reflect on their own learning and discouraging plagiarism or academic dishonesty.

Strategies and Resources

Wikis have been shown to be very effective for these types of learning activities:

  • knowledge-building "over time" through versions and groups
  • progressive or open-ended problem-solving
  • communities of practice such as internships or field experiences
  • explaining increasingly diverse and contrary ideas as well as examining the relatedness of ideas from diverse contexts
  • combining, synthesizing and evaluating definitions and terminology across disciplines
  • critically reading and responding in a constructive and public way to others' work

Visit the rubrics page for assessing learning in wikis.


IDD Blog Posts Covering Wikis


Examples of Course Wikis


Additional Readings and Resources:

Parker, K., & Chao, J. (2007). Wiki as a teaching tool. Interdisciplinary Journal of Knowledge & Learning Objects, 3, 57-72. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.

DePaul Resources

Instructional Design and Development

  • Create learning activities around wikis

Instructional Technology Support

  • Identify university-supported wiki technologies


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