Tips

=What Obstacles Can Teachers Expect?=


 * Wikis conflict with traditional assumptions about authorship and intellectual property.
 * Students are sometimes reluctant to contribute to wikis because they lack confidence in their writing. They worry about not receiving credit for contributions, or they do not like their ideas, words, contributions being revised or deleted without consent.


 * Some teachers and students are uncomfortable about the advantages and disadvantages of public writing.


 * Some technology averse students do not like having to learn how to use wikis and/or find even the relatively simple steps for editing or posting work daunting.


 * __**Because Wikis are not presentation software, use of visuals and design options are limited.**__


 * Although selecting "restore" to replace content that was inadvertently deleted or intentionally hacked is easy, the editing process is nonetheless a hassle.

=Tips for Avoiding the Downsides of Wikis= Just like all Web 2.0 technology tools, there are downsides to using a Wiki. However, these problems areas are overcome with monitoring and controlling access.

> //Locking Designated Areas for Protection// – teachers can block access to specific sections to avoid unwanted modification.
 * **Controlling Access** – this is accomplished by the teacher using password protection for the Wiki.
 * **//Structural Hierarchy//** – a structural design hierarchy must be established from the beginning for ease of access and avoiding confusion.
 * **//Bias//** – since a Wiki’s structure and information are established by a teacher and students, it is important to avoid creating an unintended bias of information presented. One example: a math Wiki only focuses on difficult problems or problems which are too easy for students to solve. These biases could lead to disuse of the Wiki due to frustration or boredom.