Future Changes

Create a Participatory Knowledgebase on a Wiki

People talking; London City in backgroundMichael Idinopolous suggests 3 ways to build a participatory knowledgebase using a wiki:

1. Structure by Topic

The whole point of the wiki is its ability to bring people together and connect dots across organizational silos. That won’t happen if you structure the wiki around those very silos.

Here, he argues the wiki shouldn’t mimic the existing organizational structure because that won’t help break down information silos.

I agree with the principle of using the wiki to encourage new connections across the organization, but it does need to start with some resemblance of the existing organizational structure. That gives people confidence in using it. [Read more]

Using Wiki in Education book now available in paperback

Using Wiki in Education available in digital and paperback at Lulu.comUsing Wiki in Education, the book, is now available as a downloadable PDF and Paperback at Lulu.com!

The PDF is available for $19, the same price as online access at Wikiineducation.com, and now there’s an all new option:

Paperback
Take it with you, keep it on your desk next to Wikipatterns, or give it to a friend. Whether you’re using a wiki in your teaching, research, committee work, curriculum planning, or writing a grant proposal, Using Wiki in Education offers advice and examples for making the most of your wiki use. The paperback is available for $24.95.

If you’ve already purchased access to Using Wiki in Education, simply log in to Wikiineducation.com to download a free PDF copy of the full book.

Day 21: Science Fair

Day 21 - 21 Days of Wiki AdoptionA “Science Fair” is a great way for people using wikis to get together – regardless of what they work on – and share how they work:

Does your organization have these boundaries to collaboration?

In a post on improving cognitive ability through collaboration, Dennis McDonald makes this point:

When you think about all the pressures people have to stay within the “comfort zones” of professional or disciplinary communities, though, there are many situations where going outside is actively or passively discouraged.

Does your organization (or discipline) encourage or discourage you to directly go to others with whom you want to collaborate? [Read more]

,



Wikipatterns book: a practical guide to improving productivity and collaboration in your organization Future Changes is Stewart Mader. He wrote the book on wiki adoption, and he has led or advised enterprise-wide wiki deployments in Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofits, small and medium size companies.

Advisory Services include: adoption strategy and timeframe, vendor/product analysis, content structure and templates, roles and permissions, data migration, and workshops. Linda Ziffrin of Valley View Ventures handles bookings. Contact to discuss your needs.
RECENT COMMENTS

MOST POPULAR
Enterprise Wiki Software Guide

Why Businesses Don't Collaborate - Research Report

21 Days of Wiki Adoption - Video Series
BOOKS & ARTICLES
Wikipatterns book: a practical guide to improving productivity and collaboration in your organization Wikipatterns
A practical guide to improving productivity and collaboration in your organization.
Buy the book
Using Wiki in Education wiki book Using Wiki in Education
10 case studies from education show how to collaboratively build curriculum, guide students' teamwork, and manage research projects.
Buy the book
Your Wiki Isn’t Wikipedia: How to Use It for Technical Communication Your Wiki Isn’t Wikipedia (PDF download)
How to use a wiki for technical communication and project management. Published in the January, 2009 issue of Intercom, the magazine of the Society for Technical Communication.
5 Effective Wiki Uses and How Companies Benefit From Them 5 Effective Wiki Uses (PDF download)
Five ways your business can benefit from using a wiki. Published in the August, 2008 issue of Website Magazine.

All Articles

THE BEST OF FUTURE CHANGES


USEFUL WEBSITES