Thing 15:

I use wikis, especially Wikipedia on a daily basis. I only use it for quick information on something or someone. I know to never use it for serious research purposes. I use it mostly to look up actors or actresses, usually to see what other roles they have played or how old they are. It is just convenient for me to get quick information on things that pique my curiosity, even though I know that information may not always be correct or true.
I think wikis are a great way for people, including students, to collaborate on various topics, given that they are sharing accurate information. However, if inaccurate information is shared, then it gives others a chance to correct it. It looks like many libraries and schools are using wikis. I really like the idea of doing a literature circle wiki. I can see using a wiki in the classroom as part of a Jigsaw activity being fun for the students. Divide the students up into groups and each of those groups would be assigned roles. Students with the same roles would collaboratively research a specific topic and then report on the wiki to share with the rest of the class. The whole class could understand the different relevant topics without doing all of the research. It would be a time-saver.