Wikis

= Web 2.0 Hot Spot =

Developed by Mr. Scott Staub
= Wikis = www.wikispaces.com

A Wiki is a quick web page that a normal person with little or no HTML programming knowledge can create, edit, and develop a topic or theme. "Allowing everyday users to create and edit any page in a Web site is exciting in that it encourages democratic use of the Web and promotes content composition by nontechnical users." ([|What is Wiki]) Before Wikis, to have a true web page the user had to purchase expensive web authoring programs or settle for free, but limited online software provided by the web host. Many teachers like wikis because they are easy to use and are quick to create. Wikis also allow a teachers to grant students access to edit or create pages on the wiki. It is a great tool for students to collaborate. There is a history page that shows a teacher what chances were made to the page, when and by whom. It even allows you to revert back to an earlier version of a page. Wikis also allows teachers and students to easily use the discussion feature to communicate and post comments and questions. Teachers can upload files, powerpoint presentations, videos, tests, notes, photos, and images.

Teachers can sign up for free wikis by going to Wikis for Education.

To learn how to use a wiki use the [|wiki tours]. Manage Space is the best place to control your wiki.

To invite students to have access and/or editing, the students go to the teacher's wiki and ask to join the teacher's wiki (join this wiki). The teacher gets a message from the student and allows them to join. It's that easy. Members are the best setting for students instead of organizers.

Pages can be locked under Manage Spaces so only organizers can change the pages.

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 * Lee Lefever's [|What is a Wiki? video]**

AN INTRODUCTION TO WIKIS by Dianne K rause, a HS French teacher media type="custom" key="6356481" width="462" height="462"

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For more specific teacher applications, check out Victoria Davis's classroom wiki, westwood.wikispaces. Also view Mrs. Davis's presentation on “[|Wiki Collaboration Across the Curriculum]”

Teachers, who have students creating wikis, may be interested in Evaluating Wikis-- [|Davis's Rubrics]

** PBWiki ** [|http://pbwiki.com]

PBWiki is another great choice for a free wiki. It offers not only collaborating, but, document management & file sharing, quick and easy setup, advanced access control, history & auditing, templates, plug ins, and easy page editor. This wiki is easy to use and a great place for students and teachers to create their first web pages.

· Both can be made private · Both have educational versions with no ads · Are free for basic uses · A few themes and skins are available · Can add widgets to increase functionality · Wikispaces uses user-creator to create accounts without the need for student emails. Wikispaces allows you to upload screen names and passwords. PBwiki also allows for student accounts without emails but must create each account by hand. || · difference between pbwiki and wikispaces has to do with creating and establishing the wikis · Wikispaces provides a thorough overview on how to use · PBWiki has a 2 minute getting started video and FAQ, Free webinar · Inserting images are easier with Wikispaces · Wikispaces gives more storage (2Gb vs. 10 Mb) · Wikispaces has email · PBWiki offers an easier to use text editor toolbar · Wikispaces is easier to setup student accounts. ||
 * Wikispaces vs. PBwiki **
 * **Similarities** || **Differences** ||
 * · Enable users to create wikis, add pages, edit pages, invite others to edit pages, insert links and images

= Wikipedia = [|www.wikipedia.com] Wikipedia is essentially an online encyclopedia created and edited by users. Just like a regular encyclopedia, Wikipedia should not be considered a primary source. Some have balked at the accuracy of Wikipedia, but even reputable encyclopedias have mistakes. Every Wikipedia topic can display a history of changes. Even though students should not cite encyclopedias, Wikipedia is still a good starting point because at the bottom of the Wikipedia page are references that are often reputable and citeable.

= Weebly = [|www.weebly.com]

Weebly is not a wiki. It is an easy way to create a web site because of the modular approach that Weebly takes to creating web pages. No HTML coding is necessary. Users basically drag and drop components into the layout of the page and edit. It makes web page building very easy. Choosing a design, adding and changing content and managing the site is relatively intuitive.

[|wikisineducation.wetpaint.com] This is a place where educators can come together to share tips about using wikis to enhance the learning experience. Wetpaint also offers free wikis to educators that are ad-free and easy to use. This site is a must view for educators looking for ideas on how to use wikis in class.
 * Wetpaint--Wikis in Education **

[|www.google.com/sites] Is another Wiki-style web page creation site. It is more like Weebly that has more templates, but still might be easy to use such as the Wikis.
 * Google Sites **