Wikis in the Wikis in the ClassroomClassroom

byby

David LindsayDavid Lindsay

SUSD In-service March ‘07SUSD In-service March ‘07

What’s a wiki?What’s a wiki?

““Wiki” is Hawaiian for quickWiki” is Hawaiian for quick A wiki is an easy-to-create web pageA wiki is an easy-to-create web page It has an “edit” button right on itIt has an “edit” button right on it The editing tools are like the tools you’d The editing tools are like the tools you’d

find on a word processor toolbarfind on a word processor toolbar You edit the page from wherever you You edit the page from wherever you

want; if you’re at a computer with internet want; if you’re at a computer with internet access, you’re in businessaccess, you’re in business

Show me an Example

What do I do with it?What do I do with it?

Use it like your existing web pageUse it like your existing web page It might be less fancy than the one you’re using now It might be less fancy than the one you’re using now

but you’ll actually update it.but you’ll actually update it. Store files, links, and ideas on itStore files, links, and ideas on it

If you put something on it, that means you’ll have it If you put something on it, that means you’ll have it on whatever computer you’re on.on whatever computer you’re on.

Create an extension to your classroomCreate an extension to your classroom Students can post assignments, work Students can post assignments, work

collaboratively, visit links you’ve provided, and read collaboratively, visit links you’ve provided, and read classroom info from virtually anywhere.classroom info from virtually anywhere.

How do I make one?How do I make one?

One wiki you might try is:One wiki you might try is:PB PB WikiWiki

1.1. Enter a name for your wiki (no spaces or punctuation)Enter a name for your wiki (no spaces or punctuation)

2.2. Enter your Saugus Email (PB Wiki won’t spam you)Enter your Saugus Email (PB Wiki won’t spam you)

3.3. Click the “Create My Wiki” buttonClick the “Create My Wiki” button

4.4. Check your email for the notice PB Wiki sent youCheck your email for the notice PB Wiki sent you

5.5. Set a password (if the students will be editing too, make Set a password (if the students will be editing too, make the password something they’ll remember)the password something they’ll remember)

6.6. Select public or private (will people without the password Select public or private (will people without the password be able to view the wiki?)be able to view the wiki?)

Ok, now what?Ok, now what?

Use the “edit” buttonUse the “edit” button This first page will be your home pageThis first page will be your home page

Personalize the pagePersonalize the page Use text toolsUse text tools

Add new pagesAdd new pages ““Link” buttonLink” button Dotted red line indicates no content- yetDotted red line indicates no content- yet

Add a graphicAdd a graphic Discovery SchoolDiscovery School has great clipart has great clipart R-click an image and select “save file”R-click an image and select “save file” In the wiki editing window, choose “insert image”In the wiki editing window, choose “insert image”

Things to try…Things to try…

Create a link to another websiteCreate a link to another website Upload a file to the wikiUpload a file to the wiki

Great for having access to a file from anywhereGreat for having access to a file from anywhere Link to a file you’ve uploadedLink to a file you’ve uploaded

Great for sharing files, or giving students access to a Great for sharing files, or giving students access to a worksheet at homeworksheet at home

Edit the sidebarEdit the sidebar The sidebar can be edited like any other wiki pageThe sidebar can be edited like any other wiki page Make a handy navigation for the pages you’ve made so farMake a handy navigation for the pages you’ve made so far

Check the settings of your wikiCheck the settings of your wiki Try some of the “skins” to give your wiki a different lookTry some of the “skins” to give your wiki a different look