Future Teachers Meet Wiki/How would you describe your first interactions with the Wiki system?

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Peter Baker[edit | edit source]

I am not a very tech-oriented type of guy, so it's fair to say that when I was approached about working on this project, I was scared—not just a little scared, but VERY scared. I could not envision myself editing a real website. Just the same, I jumped in with all three feet. From the first time I edited a Wikipedia article, (the same day I created our class Wikibook), I have been amazed at the user-friendly nature of the software. The designers of the software have considered the fact that most users are not going to be computer engineers, so they have, by necessity, made it easy to do what you want to do! Many times I catch myself thinking, "Man, can I really be posting something that can be read by folks all over the world?" The answer is, of course, "Yes!" With this privilege comes a certain degree of responsibility but, at the same time, it is important to note that a Wiki environment allows one to take bold steps without the fear of major, life-changing consequences. This is because there is a huge support network in place, (literally hundreds of thousands strong), that will catch you when you make a big mistake and validate any points that are correct but about which you're just not sure. I guess, in short, I used to be scared of the Wiki. Now, the Wiki is my friend! :) Pete 20:41, 20 November 2006 (UTC)