Instructions+for+Wikispaces

What type of wikispace do I want?
That depends. When you create a new free wikispace for K-12 education, you have the option of making it "Free" or "Protected". Both are free for educators, but a "Free" wikispace means anyone with a wikispaces account can view and edit your pages. A "Protected" wikispace means anyone can view the wikispace, but only members of the wikispace (the people on your PLC will need to create wikispace accounts) can edit pages. Many PLCs decide to go with the "Protected" option, because they like sharing what they do with other PLCs, but they don't want people who are not in their PLC to be able to edit their pages.

How do I create pages on my wikispace?
Click on "+ New Page" at the top of the screen. Give your new page a name and click "Create". Add some content to your page and click "Save". Now that you have the page created, you need to create a link to it so it can be easily accessible (see "How do I create a hyperlink?" below).

How do I edit the navigation of my wikispace?
When you start a new wikispace, wikispaces automatically includes a "page list" in your navigation bar. In order to avoid a long, long list of every single page you create on your wikispace, it is a good idea to delete the page list widget and include links to your pages manually (see "How do I create a hyperlink?" below). Caution: this means that each time you create a new page, you need to be sure to link it to your other pages in a way that makes it easy for you and others on your team to find.

How do I add content?
To add content, all you have to do is click on the "Edit this Page" button and begin typing. Similar to Microsoft Word, you will be able to type, delete, cut, paste, and move content. Remember, save your work as you go.

How do I modify what I have written?
Wikispaces limits what modifications you can make, but you will be able to italicize, bold, and underline your text. You will also be able to create lists using bullets. To do this, you must be in the "Editing" view and choose the tool you wish to use. To change the font size, click on the drop down window that reads "Normal." In the window, select the size of font you wish to use.

How do I create a hyperlink?
You can link a word, phrase, or image to a website. To do this, highlight the item or word you would like to link to the World Wide Web (link to other pages on your wikispace, to other pages on other wikispaces, or any other web page on the internet). Click the icon in the editing menu that looks like a link of chain:. A window will open and prompt you to select a wiki link or an external link. You will want to select an external link. Copy the address from the website you wish to link to, and paste the address in the external link field.

How do I insert an image or other type of file?
To insert an image or other type of file (video, Word document, etc.), click in the area you wish to add the file, click on the insert file tool:. A window will appear, an you will need to browse for the image. Once you find the image, upload it into our wikispace. You may insert the image (once the upload is complete) by simply double clicking on the image. The image will appear on the space.

How do I save my work?
As you add content, take a moment to save your work. The save buttons are on the bottom and top right corners.

What do I do when I can't undo?
When you make a mistake on the page (like accidentally deleting text), navigate away from the page without saving. A window will appear and ask if it is okay to navigate away without saving: click okay. Once you have navigated to a new page, go back to the page you would like to fix. Click "Edit this Page." The screen will turn gray, and a "Draft Recovery" window will open. If you would like to return to the original page, the page before material was deleted, click "Discard Previous Draft." If you would like to save your most recent page, click "Revert to Previous Draft."

How do I use the "Discussion" board?
Use the discussion board to post questions, concerns, and comments. Click on the "Discussion" tab and enter a comment. Check the tab every once in a while to see who needs your help.