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+the+Day+Archives

• Consider Edu20.org for the whole class experience