Thing 22 - Create a Wiki

Create a Wiki

Now it's time for you to experience using a wiki. There are three wiki creation tools commonly used in education - Wikispaces, pbWiki, Google Sites and WetPaint. All offer ad-free space for educators. Please feel free to visit all of them and test out the features of each. For our penultimate Thing we will use Google Sites to create a wiki. As with the other Google applications, you will use your Google log-in for Google Sites.

---

To complete Thing 22 you must:
A. Edit an existing wiki
B. Create your own wiki
C. Reflect on thing 22 on your blog

---

A. Edit the 23 Things Wiki
Go to http://sites.google.com/site/wilton23things/ We've already started a list of ideas for using wikis in education. Add another idea of your own, or organize the list in a different way. All you have to do is:

1. Click on "Edit this page."
2. Scroll down and click to place your insertion point at the end of the list. Press Enter/Return. Feel free to change the list, combine items, delete redundant items, etc.
   
3. Add your contribution.
4. Click on "Save."

B. Create Your Own Wiki
Then go to Google Sites to create your first wiki. Once you've created an account with Google Sites, you can create multiple wikis. Experiment with adding and formatting text, inserting links, images, and video. Feel free to experiment with the other wiki creation programs above. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and all of them are free for educators. Here's how:


Try some of the other widgets too. Google calls them gadgets. In editing mode go to the left and click Insert and move down the list of gadgets. Have fun - you can't break a wiki!

C. Reflect - Blog Prompts for Thing 22
In your blog post be sure to include the link to your wiki. Then discuss your feelings about using a wiki. How does a wiki differ from a blog? When is one more appropriate to use than the other?