guidelines+to+wikispaces+for+educators

= Wikis: Guidelines for Use = = Introduction = Wiki use should be in line with each school's Internet and Email Policy which addresses: // · //// User Agreement // · // Management procedures for internet use //

It is recommended that a copy of the school's // User Agreement // is contained within each wiki and be made accessible via the wiki's sidebar.

If school policy stipulates Educational Channel only access to the internet, wiki sites will need to be submitted for inclusion in the Education Channel/Edulist. See note below.

// There are a number of wiki platforms available for schools. // // Wikis through Wikispaces for Educators// at [] are: · free for educational use · are private · free of advertising · use authentication via a login to control access
 * Description **


 * Purpose **

Wikis are collaborative, online spaces. Members of a wiki have the opportunity to: · edit wiki pages · add wiki pages · remove wiki pages

Members also have the opportunity to develop skills of collaboration and communication so they can take full advantage of the wiki's potential i.e. the ability to add shared content anywhere and any time.
 * Considerations for Use **


 * Management**

A wiki administrator: · manages access to the wiki · allocates roles within it · monitors wiki content · has immediate access to revisions to every page

Whilst members of the wiki can invite others, it is the administrator who ultimately decides who can access the wiki.

Class user accounts can be created by the teacher via the //Manage Wiki// facility.

Students' contributions should be easily identifiable. Overly casual/informal usernames may detract from the educational intention of the wiki.

It is advisable that wikispaces content is backed up regularly//.// // Wikispaces' // content is be backed up via the //Manage Wiki// link.


 * Security**

To ensure secure access it is recommended that: · all access to a wiki is via an authentication process (username and password). · care must be taken to log out of a space so that subsequent users of a computer can not use someone else's credentials online. · students should not be identifiable by their full name. Before student usernames are created, consideration should be given as to what would be an appropriate and practical username eg 'Jane L'. · passwords should be unique to each user. · passwords should be a combination of letters and numbers. · when a wiki's use is concluded, it should be exported and deleted from the internet. If the wiki structure is to be re-used, original users should be removed. Steps must be taken to minimise the students' digital footprint.


 * Access**

All multimedia content placed on a wiki should be accessible via standard plug-ins such as Flash, Shockwave and QuickTime. Users can ensure they have the latest plug-ins by analyzing their computer via //The Learning Federation's// [|Analyzer Tool].


 * CONNECT (formerly Education Channel)**

Wikis created for classroom use can be submitted to CONNECT for inclusion on the Edulist: [] This allows Edulist only (CONNECT) users to view the wiki. Additions to the Edulist do not show in CONNECT search results.

For a site to be considered as an inclusion on the Edulist, it must be viewable by the CONNECT team. This may require a username/password to be supplied with the request. External web links contained within the wiki may not be accessible to Edulist users. Only web links already on the Edulist will be accessible. New external links may need to be submitted separately for inclusion. .