Teaching and Learning Physics using Wikis

The use of new teaching tools and technologies in modern classrooms in universities, colleges and even schools is essential. Here we report an adaptation of a new and powerful teaching tool, Wiki, in teaching Physics. Wiki is an interactive webpage which can be accessed and updated collaboratively by a group of users via any web browser. This new teaching tool was first used in an introductory level Physics course. The students were assigned different tasks and as a part of the learning procedure, they were encouraged to do independent research to explore applications related to the Physics concepts learned in the class. As a result, students often brought interesting findings into the class that led to insightful class discussions. Although Physics is not the most popular science subject among undergraduate students, the adaptation of Wiki showed a notable change in the students' perceptions. As we have experienced, there are number of advantages of using Wikis in a Physics classroom - improves the writing and research skills; helps students explore and understand the subject in depth and most of all enhances their desire and ability to learn Physics.