CREATING A WIKI:HOW WE DO IT AND WHY IT WORKS

Cluster Challenge 2009-2010

WHY USE A WIKI? A wiki can be used for many things:

Taking notes Viewing links Uploading images Managing projects Creating new pages Commenting on pages Reviewing new updates Referencing outside sources Asking and answering questions Interacting with classmates/co-workers Keeping information organized and in one accessible

location

MAKING A WIKICreating your own wiki takes very little time

to complete. This is what you can do:

Go to www.wikispaces.com Create a space name/URL for your wiki Hit the “Create” button

- Now, you are ready to work on your wiki.

An introductory instruction guide will pop up on your monitor. Reading this will give you all of the information that you will need for editing and managing your wiki. The link for help menu, located in the top right corner of your new wiki, can

be referred to at any time.

HOMEPAGEWhen you create your wiki, you will automatically

have a homepage (as shown below). You can make changes to your homepage by clicking on

the edit tab on the right side of the page.

EDITING A PAGEAfter clicking on the edit tab, your page will become a

workable document. From here, you will be able to add titles and information to your page. In addition, a

tool bar will be on the page, allowing you to:

Change the font

Change the font style

Change the font type

Add bullets and numbering

Insert a link

Insert an image

Insert a widget

Insert a tableFrom here, you can also create new pages using the link on the

sidebar on the left-hand-side of the website.

UPLOADING IMAGES/FILES

Uploading files or images onto your wiki is very simple. It can be accomplished by following these steps:

1. Click on the edit tab on the right side of your homepage.

2. Click on the “Insert Images and Files” button on the editing toolbar.

3. Click on the “Upload Images” button that appears on the “Upload Files” tab.

4. Search for and find the image, document, or file that you wish to upload.

5. Click the “Open” button.

• You will have uploaded your

image or file after following these

steps. An image/document

box will pop up, and you will be allowed to reposition and

resize your upload.

ADDING PEOPLE TO YOUR WIKI

Click on the “Manage Wiki” link on the sidebar on the left-hand-side of the website. Look under the “People” section of this page. Click on the “Invite People” link.

From here, a page will be presented with two “Send To:” and “Your Message:” text boxes. Add e-mail addresses or other Wikispaces accounts into the “Send To:” box. Write a personal message to new members in the “Your Message:” box. Click send and wait for approval.

Y0UR NEW WIKI

From here, you can find more advanced ways to manage your wiki. But, the simple elements are complete and you are

well on your way to growing your wiki even larger.

So, remember:

Understand how to use a wiki Create your wiki account

Familiarize with your homepage Edit your homepage/Add and edit new pages

Upload images and files Add people to view and edit your page

Good luck with your new wiki!