HOW+TO+WIKI


 * How to Create Your Wiki **

This is not a full set of directions, but it should be enough to get you started. Although I locked the Home and Assignment pages, **this page is unlocked** in case anyone wants to add information that will help us all use the wiki better.


 * Caution: ** Anyone can monkey with anything on any page of this wiki (except the Home & Assignment pages). I have not restricted you. What that means is that you need to be careful with each other's work. **If** you accidentally screw something up, you can find it again by looking at the **HISTORY** tab at the top. There is a record there of everything that has gone before.


 * Edit Button Says "Protected":** You're not signed in to wikispaces. Use the sign-in link at the top to sign in, and you will gain access to the Edit button.


 * Directions:** You can get instructions for many Wikispaces features by using the "HELP" link at the bottom of this page. A menu will pop up with activities and instructions for how to do them.


 * Getting Started:** Simply click the "Edit this Page" icon at the top right of your book page. And start typing.


 * Editor Menu:** Once you're in the "edit" mode, across the top of the screen you'll see an editor menu with a few functions similar to Word functions you are familiar with. You can change the font style or size, insert bullet points, add (or remove) a link to an external website, YouTube video clip, or another page if you want to create sidebar-type pages. You can insert a photograph, embed a widget (ask me if you wanna know!), insert a table, etc. If you are brave and want to try something, as the Nike people would say, //Just Do It!//


 * Top of the Page Icons:** You will notice some icons across the top of this screen. They are "New Page," "Recent Changes," and "Manage Wiki." If you want to link a new page with additional information to your work, use the "New Page" link, and follow directions. If you want to check what changes have been made to the wiki since your last visit, check "Recent Changes." And finally, there are a few functions under "Manage Wiki" that you may need. Feel free to explore.


 * More Ways to Create New Pages:** Highlight a word, phrase or photo that you want to link to link to a new page. Click on the "link" icon on the editor menu. Where it tells you to name the page, accept the suggestion or type in your own. Then save the page. The new page will become active the first time you edit it.


 * Icons:** I have created a few icons that you can use by choosing the "Insert Images" link on the editor menu. You can upload your own photo or art creation, or select one that I created. Or, make your own in Paint or another program, save as a jpg file and upload it to the wiki.


 * Notify Me:** You'll see a "Notify Me" link up at the top of the page. Choose it, and you can make arrangements to be sent an email each time someone adds to the wiki. I like that function, because it tells me when there's something new to read, and saves me from logging in just to find out.


 * Discussion Tab:** You can discuss wiki building (content, editing, whether to include outside material - whatever) by going to the Discussion tab above, and creating a post there.


 * Chat:** If you decide to set up a real-time discussion with your group members, the WIMBA Pronto function in Blackboard can be set up and used simultaneously while you work on your Wiki in Wikispaces. Simply go to the COMMUNICATION link in the link menu in Blackboard, and choose Wimba Pronottab and use one of the group chat rooms I've set up. I've set up two of them, in the unlikely event that more than one group shows up at the same time. Hope springs eternal!


 * Manage Wiki:** On the main Wiki page, at the top left, you'll see a link to "Manage Wiki." You're free to go in there and play around. Please remember, anything you do will change EVERYTHING in the wiki, so be careful!


 * Plagiarism:** A wiki is built with things we write or share. Be sure to properly cite information you are quoting from another source, and if you link to something or embed a document, if it doesn't have adequate citation information at the original source, make sure to properly cite it.

*** * * FOR SOME FUN STUFF * * * check this website: **  http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/