What is a Wiki and Should it be Banned at School?

Have you been hearing the word "wiki" and wonder what it is? Here is part of the answer: "it is a website that allows visitors to add, remove, edit and change content, typically without the need for registration". I found this information in none other then "Wikipedia", which is the best example of a wiki.  A recent post in a Computerworld blog claimed Wikipedia as a victim:

"Here's the newest from Sen. Ted Stevens, the man who described the Internet as a series of tubes: It's time for the federal government to ban access to Wikipedia, MySpace, and social networking sites from schools and libraries."

Now now, looks like someone does not understand Wikipedia (Senator Stevens). This site is an amazing resource for information and should be shared with children. By your logic, we should also ban encyclopedias from libraries.... Oh Mr. Stevens, one more thing - here is your link in Wikipedia. I went there to find out more information about you. I found it very helpful.

I have also seen wiki's used for event sign-ups. A friend of mine wants to create a wiki to list good local summer camps.  Here is the list of the wiki software avaliable (I have used social text before).  And just in case you have not had enough, here is a list of wikis.

Having a conversation about limiting access using some sort of parental controls at the school library computer is one thing, Throwing all social networking sites (like Wikipedia) in one bucket is another, and wrong.

Crossposted at the Silicon Valley Moms Blog