Wikis in your Business Class

Al Samsa

2009 OBEA Spring Conference

April 24, 2009

What is a Wiki?

A wiki is a collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified markup language.

- Wikipedia

Why use a Wiki?

• Alternative to posters, presentation, powerpoints, etc.

• Easy to insert images, videos, graphs, etc.

• Great for collaboration

• Discussion threads help learning

Wiki Ideas• Class Project

http://globalethics.wetpaint.com/

Wiki Ideas• Class Project

http://internationaldebtcrisis.wikispaces.com/

Wiki Ideas

• Course or Class Site http://btt1o1.wikispaces.com/

Wiki Ideas

• Department Site http://ridgebiz.wetpaint.com/

Wiki Ideas

• School Site http://irhs.wetpaint.com/

Wiki Sites

• Wetpaint Attractive Templates Discussion threads on each page Upgrade to no ads if education site Four levels of membership

• Wikispaces Two level membership Email to remove ads

• PB Wiki

Getting Started

• Create a suitable site name

• Create a descriptive front page

• Allow members to join or invite

• Invite or Limit number of discussion questions but promote entries

Adding Content (Wetpaint)• Add new page (add tags, template or blank)• Hint: check level, e.g., under home page• Click

• Two column great for links

Layouts

Widgets

YouTube Video

or

or link to files on another site or webpage

Page Tools

Track Changes

Suggestions

• Require Works Cited\Bibliography in proper format at bottom of every student page Join bibme.org

• Upload PowerPoints to a site, e.g., slideshare.net, then link to embedded ppt in wiki

• Identifiable student names, e.g., johnr or• Page name as group name, e.g., planning

Helpful Links

• Tips for a successful (Wetpaint) site: http://www.wetpaintcentral.com/page/Tips+for

+A+Successful+Site

• Tip of the day archives for Wetpaint http://www.wetpaintcentral.com/page/Tip+of+t

he+Day+Archives

• Consider Edu20.org for the whole class experience