Wiki guru Stewart Mader provides pertinent advice on success strategies for wiki adoption.
In summary, he lists five points:
- Start with what you already do
- Go viral
- Invite senior leadership
- Find the champions
- Practice what you preach
As CIT looks for a wiki engine for the university community, we hope that we do not fall into the trap of "build it and they will come".
For academics who are keen to use wikis in the classroom, here are some case studies. Also, check out The Science of Spectroscopy's Using Wiki in Education.
Comments (4)
These are good pointers - and I believe the last point is really important. It applies also to other applications of technology in an organisation such as blogging, and is closely linked to point 3. EG those asked to apply the technology look at their leaders and think "if they're not doing it, it can't be important. Why should I?"
Thanks for posting this - a pity most of the wiki book you link to is itself not free to access!
Posted by Paul Left | May 28, 2008 11:53 AM
Posted on May 28, 2008 11:53
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment. I nearly mistook it for spam!
I agree with that wholeheartedly. It's not just really important - it's a keystone.
Often, people ask, "What's in it for me?" It's so much easier when you can explain from personal experience rather than quote someone else's use of the technology, be it blogging, wikis, social bookmarking...
Posted by Kenneth Pinto | May 29, 2008 2:56 PM
Posted on May 29, 2008 14:56
Kenneth,
Thanks for citing this post - from my experience these five points are absolutely critical to successful wiki adoption.
BTW, the other two sites you link to - Using Wiki in Education and the case studies are both works of mine as well. Many thanks for linking to them!
If there's anything I can help with in your selection of a wiki tool and especially growing wiki adoption, please let me know.
Best regards,
Stewart
Posted by Stewart Mader | May 31, 2008 12:24 PM
Posted on May 31, 2008 12:24
You're welcome, Stewart. I know you were behind the case studies, but I wasn't aware that you had something to do with the Science of Spectroscopy's site too.
Thanks for your offer. I'll keep that in mind. =)
Posted by Kenneth Pinto | June 2, 2008 11:34 AM
Posted on June 2, 2008 11:34