Intro+To+Wikispaces

=Intro To Wikispaces=

What is a Wiki?
A **wiki** is a website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used to create collaborative works. Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note services. The software can also be used for personal note taking. Wikis serve different purposes. Some permit control over different functions (levels of access). For example editing rights may permit changing, adding or removing material. Others may permit access without enforcing access control. Other rules can be imposed for organizing content. (@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki)

In simple terms: a wiki is a well organized, easily accessible website that anyone can make, regardless of technical skill. They're great for collaboration and have many educational uses.

http://leslie-v.wikispaces.com/Wikis

=Why use a wiki? =


 * Connections **
 * Build greater connections between new and old knowledge by allowing student-created structure for the information and ideas.
 * Build on the best of Bloom: Students use synthesis and evaluation constantly and consistently when they work on a wiki.


 * Creativity**
 * Build creativity skills, especially elaboration and fluency. Build creative flexibility in accepting others’ edits!
 * Encourage “hitch-hiking” on ideas (a type of creative elaboration and analytical thinking: If X is true, then what about Y?).
 * Introduce and reinforce the idea that a creative piece as never “done.”


 * Engagement**
 * Increase engagement of all students.
 * In lieu of being passive “consumers” of their peers’ presentations (where they doze, doze and ignore), wiki makers respond, respond, change, and improve.
 * Culminating projects no longer have to end!!


 * Interpersonal**
 * Develop interpersonal and communication skills, especially consensus-building and compromise, in an environment where the product motivates interpersonal problem-solving.
 * Develop true teamwork skills


 * Writing**
 * Improve the most challenging phase of writing process: revision, revision, revision!
 * Increase flexibility to consider other ways of saying things.
 * Build an awareness of a wider, more authentic audience.

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 * Metacognition**
 * Stimulate discussion and metacognition (where developmentally ready).
 * Help students articulate issues about ownership, finding, different conceptualizations of the same content. These can be sophisticated challenges, even for the best students.

=Wikispaces =

Wikispaces is a wiki hosting service with special features specifically for educators. K-12 educators can receive free access to Wikispaces private plan. This allows you to privatize your wikis and add users in bulk, along with adding a wealth of new templates and features.