A Basic Guide to Using Wikispaces

Jeff RewTEDU 673

Part I: Overview

What is Wikispaces?

A simple to use site that allows anyone to set up a webpage and share information

Pages can be set so anyone can edit them or locked so only the creator can modify content

How can I use it in my classroom?

Set up your own website with course information and links to your syllabus, handouts, notes, etc

Provide links to additional content online

Create a site where students can contribute content

Use the discussion board feature to encourage the sharing of ideas and debate

How much does it cost?

If you’re a teacher it’s absolutely FREE!

Part II: Signing Up

1. In your web browser type in http://www.wikispaces.org

2. Fill out the information on the right side of the screen

3. Confirm your address in the confirmation email

4. Start using Wikipaces!

Part III: Using Wikispaces

Creating a page

At the top left hand corner click “Make a new space”

Select a name for the page and choose public or protected then click “Create”

Editing PagesAt the top of the page click the “Edit This Page” button

Type in your content.

Use the Editor bar to change fonts, add bold text, etc.

When finished click the “Save” button

Editing Pages Continued

At the bottom of the editing window you can add in notes for the history log about what you changed on the page.

You can also add tags, or keywords to make it easier to find particular content later.

Adding Images and Files

While in Edit Page mode click the “Insert Images and Files” link on the tool bar

A box will pop up. Click “Upload New File” and select the file you want to add then click “Upload”

Once uploaded click the file to place it on the page

Part IV: Other Neat Things

History

Click on History at the top of the page to view the change log

Select two pages to see what changes have been made between the two

Discussion Board

Click the “Discussion” tab at the top of the page

Post a message that others can respond to

Widgets

Click the “Embed Widget” button to add such things as Google Maps, YouTube videos, audio files, and other nifty items to your page.

HTML Code

Know HTML already?

The “Insert Code” button allows you to add HTML code to your pages.

Manage Space

Clicking on “Manage Space” in the upper left corner of the page brings up a page where you can change the overall colors of your site, manage uploaded files, and check site statistics among other things.

Part V: Other Resources

For additional ideas about how to use Wikis check out the following sites:

http://www.teachersfirst.com/content/wiki/

http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Articles+and+Resources