# wikis: collaborate, connect & contribute
DESCRIPTION
As presented for Infolink in December, 2009TRANSCRIPT
Outline
What is a wiki?
Why use a wiki?
When to use a wiki?
Who’s using wikis?
Where to find wikis?
Creating our own wiki with WetPaint
What is a Wiki?
A wiki is an editable website that does not require users to know HTML.
Most have a system to record changes so that at any time, a page can be reverted to any of its previous states.
Many wikis even offer the option of password protecting the contents or requiring registration to be able to edit.
Why use a wiki?
Easy to learn – no HTML required
Easy way to share knowledge
Easy way to collaborate across borders
Ability to revert back to old versions
Ability to track who’s done what & where
Fostering collaboration among friends and/or colleagues
When to use a wiki?
Great places for brainstorming
Use to draft policies
A way to share the secretary responsibilities in a meeting
Use to gather collective knowledge from colleagues, peers and/or patrons
Who’s using wikis?
Businesses, organizations, schools, etc. etc.
Libraries: http://libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Wikis
Encyclopedias:
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)
Encyclopaedia Britannica (www.britannica.com)
Where to find a wiki?
Many free and affordable tools to choose from
Wiki Matrix: www.wikimatrix.org
Demo wiki software: www.opensourcecms.com
List of wiki software: http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?WikiEngines
Start with a freely hosted wiki package to learn the ropes
Wiki Options
Remotely Hosted
Stored on someone else’s server
May have a cost associated with it
Limited control
Easy to learn
Locally Hosted
Technical skills required
Your own web server required (will cost money)
Complete control
More of a learning
Let’s Play
Go to www.wetpaint.com and sign up for your very own wiki
Name your Wiki
Visit www.wetpaint.com
Name your site & choose a URL
Click GO!
Describe your Wiki
Describe your site
Choose a category
Decide who can view your site
Who can edit your Wiki?
Decide who can edit your site
Pick a Wiki Theme
Decide what you want your wiki to look like
Customize your Wiki
Confirm your wiki name
Upload a logo for your site
Create a WetPaint Account
Invite Wiki Editors
Confirmation Email
Check your email for your confirmation
Make sure you save this email
Let’s Play More
Let’s work on the wiki together to see how easy it is!!
http://infolinktrain.wetpaint.com
Presented for InfoLink
Thank YouNicole C. Engard [email protected]
Slides: http://web2learning.net > Publications & Presentations