Presentation+1+Wiki+Creation

= = = = = = = = = = = = =Create An Educational Wiki=

Url: http://www.wikispaces.com/ The objective of this multimedia workshop is to introduce a Web 2.0 tool for student collaborative use. Wikis, as it are affectionately known, is a tool that can enhance student engagement in the content areas. The value of the wiki lies in the ability to bring the integration of global current events into the classroom for contemplation, allowing the students to take an active role in their own learning processes. In addition, the students will be afforded the opportunity to bring their own ideas to the learning circle, enhancing engagement and motivation. We first begin our journey into wikis by setting up an account at Wikispaces.com. In the address bar, you will type in www.wikispaces.com. The webpage looks like this:
 * How to Create an Educational Wiki**



We will scroll down the page until we come to the right-hand side, almost near the bottom of the page, under the caption “K – 12 Classroom Wikis”, and click on the hyperlink (blue) that says, “create a classroom wiki”.



Create a username and password (one that will be easy for you and your students to remember), password, and email address (you can use the school email if you choose). You will choose a wiki name as well as set the permissions for access and usage of your wiki. It is highly recommended that you choose “private”, this option, for an educator is free. Make certain you certify this wiki will be used for educational purposes only by checking the box “educational use”.

** Congratulations!! You have just created a wiki! ** Once you have completed these steps, it is now time to add the content you desire to the wiki. The first thing you see is the help page entitled “Getting Started With Your Wiki”. This help feature will guide you through the basics of launching your wikis. This feature allows you to manage your wiki, give directions on how to embed audio, video, and other desired content, etc. If you ever need additional assistance, do not hesitate to refer to this help section, it is an invaluable resource.

Now let us begin the “real work” of setting up the type of wiki we desire for our classroom. In the upper left hand corner, you will see the word “edit”. Select this tab whenever you desire to add, edit, or delete any content on your wiki page.



Whenever you desire to add new content to your wiki, simply add a new page. Click on "New Page".



You will directed to a page where you name the new page. This page will ask you to name your page, and classify the page with tags. After you name your page, and classify the tags, click the create button.

Your new page will appear, ready to be "edited". Save any changes. You can access your new page at any time by simply clicking on the name under the navigation section.



The beauty of the wiki is that you can add anything that you desire to make your wiki a place of collaboration. You can place audio and video files (youtube and teacher tube files can be inserted with ease), podcasts, include RSS newsfeeds for your students to ponder and discuss. The possibilities are endless! For more instruction in designing your wiki, please refer to the following resources:

media type="youtube" key="7q90qzQnfsI?fs=1" height="385" width="480"
 * How to Build an Educational Wiki:** []

I came across this informative and foundational youtube video on how to create a wiki for educational purposes for the visual and auditory learners, such as myself (Smiles). As this moderator is a teacher, the video is very easy to follow, and will allow you to create and understand the basics of wiki creation with ease.