Why Use a Wiki?

Joan Vinall-Cox, Ph.D.

First, What’s a Wiki?

• A wiki is a website. – A space on the web with a web address

But It’s More Than a Website!

Looks like a website -

But it’s Easier!

To edit, use icons, just like in word-processing

No technical expertise or HTML knowhow needed

More Accessible!

Wiki Applications provide the web address – no web domains needed

Free or Inexpensive!

• My two favorite wiki applications– (there are many)

• Are Free!– If you accept the advertising

• Or, (and I really like this)– If you are a teacher

The Really Big Difference …

• More than one person can edit!– In the settings for your wiki you can

define

• Who can see it!• Who can edit it!• It is a superb collaborating tool!

Online Explanations

http://www.commoncraft.com/video-wikis-plain-english

Choices, Choices, Choices …

• Wikispaces • PBWiki

Wikispaceshttp://www.wikispaces.com/site/pricing

Wikispaces for K – 12http://www.wikispaces.com/help+Teachers

Peanut Butter Wikihttp://pbwiki.com/business.wiki

PBwikis for Educationhttp://pbwiki.com/education.wiki

• Premium PBwikis get advanced access controls, which let you grant certain people editing privileges, while others are limited to reading. Premium plans start at $9.95/month.

Learning Wikispaceshttp://www.wikispaces.com/site/

tour#introduction

Learning PBwikihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A204JcGQiY0

Advice on Wikis for Teachershttp://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Articles+and+Resources

Advice on Wikis for Educatorshttp://pbwiki.com/education.wiki#Doyouprovideeducatorspecificmaterials

Wikis are Teaching & Learning Tools

Choose which kind of wiki you want and start playing!

Wikis have a built-in safety net• If there’s a problem, you can easily

revert to a previous page or editDon’t be surprised if your students

come up with new and helpful uses!

Thanks for Your Time