A topic for discussion: wikis vs discussion forums

How do wikis differ from discussion boards or forums?

Also known as online bulletin boards or Internet forums, discussion forums are asynchronous tools to facilitate group discussions. They automatically maintain a log of all messages in a threaded, hierarchical structure. Users find a topic of interest, read the postings under it, and enter a response. Discussion boards are often used to post questions and answers and to enable an on-going conversation about a topic. All visitors can view the dialog and benefit from the material discussed without actually participating. However, some users often find that the threads are hard to follow.

How do wikis differ? Well, a wiki is a type of website that allows anyone who can basically use a word processor or send e-mail to develop or to edit content on the site, with no special tools or programming knowledge. Wikis may be used by a group to build a website, each person contributing information on the subject. A wiki permits the aggregation of the views of the many participants. Unlike on a discussion forum, each wiki user may actually update the content posted by other visitors on the website. The content is an evolving work-in-progress by the group, collaborating. However, many wikis also allow their visitors to comment on the content and postings of others through discussion threads or forums. For example, visitors can ask questions about the content posted on the site or make comments about it. The questions and comments and replies posted to them would be typically displayed with the page. Discussion forums are often used by content authors too -- to discuss the approach and development of the content.


Image credit: New York State Music Teachers Association, Inc