Virtual and Social Media Report 2-4-3 - Essay Example

Wikis: An Introduction to the Software Your Full Your Institute’s Wikis: An Introduction to the Software Wikis are perhaps one of the most prevalent and top forms of virtual and social media. A new form of interaction, Wikis are not only educational, but synergistic as well, thus offering netizens a novel and exciting experience. This entails that internet surfers can access required data along with having the opportunity to create new posts by giving their own input with regard to the subject matter.

A wiki is a program that enables the users to utilize any browser not only to access data, but also to generate, correct and alter web content. It is not only web based, but it can be created within intranet access as well. One of the main aims behind using this software is for people to create synergistic websites that promote discussion on the subject matter at hand. Hosted by third parties, Wikis are very popular amongst browsers who prefer to leave their input on various issues and/or who like to simply share information they have on the topic.

Generally, web users who like to interact with others regarding any particular topic use wikis. Thus, wikis enable an increased virtual and social media communication. However, the main purpose of wikis is to augment people’s knowledge about any given topic – though they do give the netizens a chance to remove off-topic material from the page or website. Wikis enable interaction via information sharing, as well as input of comments and suggestions. Not only do they increase knowledge of netizens, but, as stated earlier, they enable them to enhance their interactional skills, thereby increasing an exchange of ideas and interaction on an individual level.

On a corporate level, wikis help companies in forming networks that augment efficiency by simplifying tasks. Not only do companies get their message across to targeted groups, but they also receive input from them at the same time, thus, enabling them to promote their merchandise, services and/or proposals more ably. Wikis also aid companies in working together with their clients as well as managing various projects.The strengths of wikis include its appealing nature, whereby whatever the target audience of the wikis is, participation is always obtained.

Since wikis are not daunting or controlled strictly, the users find them easy to use, thereby enhancing communication. Moreover, wikis help promote the idea of data exchange or information sharing. Another strength lies in the flexibility of the wikis; they can be altered to meet the needs of the users.The weaknesses of the wikis lie in their strengths as well. As it is easy to edit content on wikis, information can be muddled by the editors, causing confusion for those who come there only to seek information.

Moreover, there is a chance of posters twisting facts, which can result in wrong information being imparted to the information seekers.Wikis are an emergent trend, used by people in all walks of life. It is very user friendly, not only helping increase knowledge, but also causing interaction and participation from the audience. It fosters association between the people, who can relay information to each other at an individual level. This is made easier by the fact that wikis enable the easiest way to manage web content.

There are endless possibilities of this software; however, as with everything else, there is a great need for the users to use it sagaciously.ReferencesHousley, S. (n.d.). What is Wiki? Retrieved from http://www.workz.com/content/view_content.html?section_id=493&content_id=6858Marshall, A. (2009). Wikis. Retrieved from http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ltg/teachingwithtechnology/TG-wikis.pdfMathew, G. E. (2005, June 3). Wiki: A collaboration platform that could ease intranet woes. Retrieved from http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/guruspeak/wiki-a-collaboration-platform-that-could-ease-intranet-woes-4436Matias, N.

(2003, November 3). What is a wiki? Retrieved from http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/what-is-a-wiki