Wiki+Whisperer

Become a Wiki Whisperer =Back= = Melissa Everhart =

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A wiki is a collaborative environment that allows students the freedom to explore, synthesize, discuss, create, and utilize information.

= Wikispaces for Education Information = @http://www.wikispaces.com/content/for/teachers = Examples of Educational Wikis = http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Examples+of+educational+wikis = Articles on the Use of Wikis in Education = http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Articles+and+Resources = For Power Users = http://gettingtrickywithwikis.wikispaces.com/ = =
 * 1) Plan the project thoroughly before introducing to students. Drawing a site map can be helpful.
 * 2) Consider piloting project with a small group or one class.
 * 3) Allow the project to grow with the students.
 * 4) Create clear instructions and post prominently in the wiki.
 * 5) Break the project down into small steps. Create due dates for each step and grade as you go.
 * 6) Limit paper use. Make sure students have everything they need in the pages of the wiki.
 * 7) Create and update Tips & Tricks or FAQ pages with helpful how-to advice. Use screenshots to illustrate.
 * 8) Allow students freedom to be creative. Try not to be too prescriptive in formatting guidelines.
 * 9) Write down student passwords and keep in a safe place. Lengthy reset times are not fun when an assignment is due.
 * 10) Images can disappear. Teach students to name images with unique file names to avoid inadvertent overwrites.
 * 11) Ease the confusion of simultaneous edits. If you are working in a lab or with laptops and several students are editing the same page, changes will be lost. Explain the importance of the history tab and how to cut and paste previous changes.
 * 12) Edit navigation menu to list the places your students will need to visit in a logical order. Using the pre-formatted widget can be confusing.
 * 13) Create and update a site map for **your** sanity.
 * 14) Focus on content first, then format. Allow the students to make mistakes, but make sure the last step of the project includes an opportunity for editing, checking links, and assessing usability. Ask the creator to take a step back and look at what he or she has made through the eyes of the user.
 * 15) Be flexible! It is perfectly fine to change due dates and instructions as needed.