Applying and Extending Semantic Wikis for Semantic Web Courses

This work describes the application of semantic wikis in distant learning for Semantic Web courses. The resulting system focuses its application of existing and new wiki technology in making a wiki-based interface that demonstrates Semantic Web features. A new layer of wiki technology, called “OWL Wiki Forms” is introduced for this Semantic Web functionality in the wiki interface. This new functionality includes a form-based interface for editing Semantic Web ontologies. The wiki then includes appropriate data from these ontologies to extend existing wiki RDF export. It also includes ontology-driven creation of data entry and browsing interfaces for the wiki itself. As a wiki, the system provides the student an educational tool that students can use anywhere while still sharing access with the instructor and, optionally, other students.