Thing #8 - What in the world is a wiki?

I looked at several class wikis.  I noticed that there were very little discussions posted on the wikis. Most of the pages had links imbedded within them.  In fact, the wiki Code Blue only had links.  When viewing the history tab, I noticed that only a few people were actually editing the pages.  On the Kindergarten Counting Book, the teacher has used photos taken by the students to create a wiki page, yet the students did not actually collaborate online.  I think the idea is fabulous, but I'm not sure the wiki was used in the manner it should.  I really was inspired by the Primary Math wiki.  I have been looking for something "Different" to use with my students who need extra tutoring for the math TAKS (ugh, bad word I know!!) test.  Having them collaborate on what tools, processes, skills, etc.  they will need for each objective might help them understand what is required of them.  Hopefully it can help them study also, similar to the coolcatteacher's Study Hall wiki created by her students.  I definitely want my wiki to be something the students will go to on their own.  Getting them to "buy in" and see the benefits is going to be clue.  Also, giving them access to computers is always an issue.