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.
Paul Left
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!
Kenneth Pinto
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…
Stewart Mader
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
Kenneth Pinto
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. =)