Wild About Wikis

Intel, Motorola, Sony-they're among the companies using Web-collaboration tools to promote products and foster teamwork among employees

By Rachael King

Wikis are Web-based tools that make it easy for users to add, remove, and change online content. Employees at companies such as Intel, Motorola, IBM, and Sony use them for a host of tasks, from setting internal meeting agendas to posting documents related to new products.

Many companies rely on wikis to engage customers in ongoing discussions about products. Wikis for Motorola and T-Mobile handsets serve as continually updated user guides. TV networks including ABC and CBS are creating fan wikis that let viewers interact with each other as they unravel mysteries from such shows as Lost and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Read about these and other ways companies are warming to wikis. A link is included where the wiki is open to the public.
Answer the following problems on the discussion board:
1) How could you use a wiki to collaborate with fellow students to improve this course?
2) What security and ethical concerns would you have to consider if you implemented this classroom wiki?