Why Wiki

1. Why Use a Wiki?
Joan Vinall-Cox, Ph.D.

2. First, What’s a Wiki?
•A wiki is a website.
–A space on the web with a web address

3. But It’s More Than a Website!
Looks like a website -
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4. But it’s Easier!
To edit, use icons,
just like in word-processing
No technical expertise or HTML knowhow needed

5. More Accessible!
Wiki Applications provide the web address –
no web domains needed

6. 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

7. 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!

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

9. Choices, Choices, Choices …
•Wikispaces •PBWiki
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10. Wikispaces
http://www.wikispaces.com/site/pricing

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

12. Peanut Butter Wiki
http://pbwiki.com/business.wiki
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13. PBwikis for Education
http://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.

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14. Learning Wikispaces
http://www.wikispaces.com/site/
tour#introduction
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15. Learning PBwiki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A204JcGQiY0
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16. Advice on Wikis for Teachers
http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Articles+and+Resources
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17. Advice on Wikis for Educators
http://pbwiki.com/education.wiki#Doyouprovideeducatorspecificmaterials

18. 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 edit
Don’t be surprised if your students come up
with new and helpful uses!

19. Thanks for Your Time
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