Wiki, Wiki, Wiki
Jun 9th, 2009 by lmmiller
Introduction:
A wiki is a page or collection of Web pages designed to allow anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify the content. Wiki means “fast” in Hawaiian. Wikis are often used to create collaborative websites for classroom or work use. The collaborative encyclopedia Wikipedia is one of the best-known wikis.
Video overview of wikis created by Commoncraft.
Examples:
- High School English – An example of using a wiki as a classroom web page.
- 3rd Grade Project – How will a theme park affect wildlife in Washington? Contains group pages for research and a description of the project.
- Middle School – Heroes of Modern Africa (each student in the group was in a different class period) and Current Events Project.
- Middle School- Student have a “journal” page to reflect on a project they have been working on.
Things to Consider:
- PBWorks (formerly PBWiki) and Wikispaces should be unblocked on CWS machines. If you receive a green warning from the Bess filter on your CWS, you can select, “View this site now” to get started.
- Whichever wiki you choose make sure that you navigate to the educator/academic site to setup your account. Regular wiki accounts usually come with ads.
- Currently wiki sites are blocked by SPS on student machines so once your wiki is created, send an email to filterreview at seattleschools.org with your site’s link to have it unblocked.
- Make sure the guidelines for using a wiki are clearly communicated to your students. It might be helpful to even post them directly on your wiki.
- Because wikis are so easy to use, many teachers are using them as classroom websites.
Getting Started/Steps with PBWorks (formerly PBWiki):
- Visit the Academic Section of PB Works to create an account and a wiki.
- Select the Basic Plan, which is Free.
- When selecting the address for your wiki, you could use the 3 digit code for your school and your room number.
- Make sure you select that your wiki will be used for Education.
- On the next screen you will select the security settings for your wiki.
- Select whether you want your wiki viewable to the public or by invitation/approval only. If you are wanting parents and the community to view the students’ work, you should select Anyone.
- It is best in the school setting to only allow those you invite/approve to edit the wiki.
- Select take me to my Workspace.
- You can now start editing your wiki!
- Click the Edit tab to start typing on the FrontPage.
- Click Settings in the Upper Right to change the color of your wiki, add users, change security settings (don’t allow readers to comment), etc… Directions for adding students without email accounts as users
- For ideas on how teachers are using wikis, click the link on your frontPage.
- For other questions visit the PB Works Support Center
Other Resources:
* Teachers First: Wiki Walkthrough
* Teachers First wiki options
* 50 Way to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative Classroom