Wikis+in+schools

There are lots of resources for you to draw on about how useful wikis can be within schools.

If you need an overview of just how a wiki can be used within a teaching environment, this Youtube clip is a excellent introduction as to how they were used at the University of NSW.

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One good starting point is http://echucaelearning.wikispaces.com/Wiki and the information listed below comes from this site.

=Resources : using wikis for classroom projects=
 * Always **cite your sources**, e.g. The standard format for a Web citation is:  <> (Accessed ) (Other ways to cite sources can be found here [])
 * On this site are links to several project wikis []
 * Wikis for classroom projects: Template page []

=Guidelines if you want to have students collaborate in project wikis:=
 * No personal information, no real images or photographs of your or your friends or your family.
 * Introduce yourself with one or two of the online tools provided.
 * This is going to be a model site for other students and teachers. Please make sure that your project page includes only content about your topic (excluding your personal introduction). The sites you like for fun and games can be added to another site like think.com.
 * All images and text used need to meet one of the following criteria:
 * 1) It needs to be a personal creation.
 * 2) It needs to be copyright free.
 * 3) If it is not copyright free, the "owner" needs to be identified.
 * The comment box at the bottom is designed to make comments about the page's content. For more informal chats, use think.com or another email or Blog site.
 * This project is desigend for you to learn new things about your topic. You are the researcher and expert. Include lots of links and ideas so other students can learn about the topic, too.
 * Project pages are added by the teacher. Please do not add your own personal page - use existing ones.

=Guidelines for students: How does a good wiki look like?=

An effective wiki shows the following:

 * A collaborative effort (as seen in the history) -- Several participants have contributed. Wikis are collaborative. Each person brings their strengths and contributes things that they are good at to the project.
 * Visual appeal. Graphics are used as needed and add to the message. Graphics are not distracting and used where needed to further explain a topic. If does not look cluttered.
 * Organization - A table of contents is used, headings and underlines are used appropriately.
 * Hyperlinks to sources - An effective wiki hyperlinks sources and gives readers additional information about the topic. Because most people tend to not trust wikis (they don't know the authors), you must include a variety of hyperlinks to be considered an effective source of information. As people follow your hyperlinks, they will begin to look at the information you've linked to. They will learn that you are an authority and that you've "done your homework." Make sure that you have checked your hyperlinks and that they work.
 * Original, intelligent wording - The effective wiki summarizes information but never copies it! (Cite your sources.) The wording is intelligent and meaningful and jargon is not used. Wikis may be read by a global audience and authors must keep that in mind.

Optional but beneficial wiki traits

 * Multi-sensory tools are used - The use of sound and/or video involves the wiki reader more through the increased engagement of hearing and sight. When it is used effectively, it can boost you into the hall of fame because you have more thoroughly taught your reader about your subject.
 * RSS Feeds and Cutting edge tools are used - Pioneers are often recognized for their ability to venture into new places that others are afraid of. Our wiki pioneers will be recognized as they learn about new technology and integrate it into their page. These technologies include RSS Feeds, video, podcasts, and any other new Web 2.0 technology that we come across. Be the first and be unafraid!