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 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 Types Wiki spaces – educational PB Works, Wet Paint Google Sites -very simple to use Basic Features Ease of use History of revisions Widget use Content search Document management Security access controls

Anatomy Of A Wiki Content Page First see Content that is created Edit May not be edited synchronously Discussion Page Communicate about content Allows comments Revision History Users see revisions Good for tracking student participation Tagging Key words Edit Page

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’