Making Wikis Work In Your Organization

How Do We Do It?

• Top down vs. Grassroots• User should shape the structure of the Wiki• Administrators should not dictate• Resistance to change– Lack of effective training– Moving too fast– Inadequate administrative support– Technology anxiety

Do’s of Wiki Implementation

• Access to wiki outside of district intranets• Encourage Grass Roots adaptation• Allow employees to define structure • Permission for student images• Encourage and praise participation• Atmosphere of positivity• Start small make edits as a group• Wiki use over email use• Let go of need for a physical presence for collaboration• Provide proper professional development

Don'ts of Wiki Implementation

• Don’t block access to free wiki sites• Don’t take user experience for granted• Don’t be impatient

Getting Started

• Decide which wiki suites your need• Start with Grass roots implementation– Department teams– Let teams structure wiki– Keep simple– Support early adopters

• Action- research to document effectiveness of wiki

• Determine focus, structure, and guidelines before rolling out to other users

• Roll out to early majority-Laggards with training, support, and mentoring (Technology Coach)

• Nurture, encourage, praise success, keep positive

Logistics

TypesWiki spaces – educationalPB Works, Wet PaintGoogle Sites -very simple to use

Basic FeaturesEase of useHistory of revisionsWidget useContent searchDocument managementSecurity access controls

Anatomy Of A WikiContent Page

First seeContent that is createdEditMay not be edited synchronously

Discussion PageCommunicate about contentAllows comments

Revision HistoryUsers see revisionsGood for tracking student participation

TaggingKey words

EditPage

Wiki Etiquette• No rude or offensive comments• No click for external links• Do not correct edits/typos• Follow formal citation and reference rules• Do not use actual dates• Add signature avoid using first person• Remain objective• Do be bold• Include notes• Praise constructive work• Build structure• No shouting• Use real name

FINE’