Start Small

• Keep your opening wiki activity very simple, whether you have seniors or second graders. Have them access the wiki in class, using a generic student log-in and password that you have created under Manage Space > Memeber and Permissions.
• Make sure each student can log in, edit a page, explain the changes under the Discussion tab or Edit note (some tools), and SAVE. Have them log out.
• Make sure each student can find the wiki again and log in, unassisted.
• The next time, have them use their individual, group, or class log-ins. Keep a record of all usernames and passwords handy in your classroom!
• Consider allowing parents, where appropriate, to participate in the wiki warm-up, too.

Roll your mouse over some sample ideas at the left.

Getting to Know You... (gr 3-8)

If you are starting your wiki at the beginning of the school year or are using pseudonyms, you can establish mutual trust and verify wiki skills. Each student, using initials or a pseudonym..

• Writes something positive or interesting about himself/herself and positive things that two classmates are good at or noted for.
• Returns to the wiki for homework or in a later class and adds/edits the positive comments, possibly guessing the identity of the pseudonym holder, only IF the wiki is private!

Lighting the Wiki

Roll your mouse over headings at the left for wiki starter ideas to familiarize students and parents and for some management tips.

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Class Kudos (any age)

As a wiki warm-up, have your students (any age) write something about an accomplishment they have made, no matter how small, as "Someone...."
Examples might be:

• Someone learned to do a flip-turn.
• Someone hiked 20 miles with his grandpa.
• Someone finally passed a driving test.

Have them go back in a few days and edit to include the initials or pseudonym in place of “someone.” Keep the Kudos page open long term for classes who need a positive place to brag.

FAQ Page

Start an FAQ page as a tool to get students started on the wiki. They can ask anything they want to know (within acceptable limits) Examples:

• What are we going to use this wiki for?
• Will we be graded on this?
• Why do we have to read Shakespeare?
• Will I ever use algebra for ANYTHING?
• Will Mr. Jones really notice if I say something mean or inappropriate?

Then ask for positive responses to others’ questions. Keep an FAQ page available for students struggling with material or as the guide to each unit.

 

Wiki the Warranty

Wiki your class Wiki Warranty by posting it (locked) on the actual wiki. As new issues regarding wiki use arise, unlock the page for students to propose changes. If a student does something not previously "prohibited" but definitely not in the interest of learning, the class can write the warranty amendment and consequences, editing at will until they reach consensus.

Have a better idea? Post it on the TeachersFirst wiki!