Using Wikispaces at UMBA guide for students at UMass Boston using WikispacesStudent Guide

What is a Wiki?A wiki is a web page or collection of web pages that can be linked together as a website. Wikis are often used as collaborative spaces where many editors can contribute content.A wiki makes it easy to get started with creating a website quickly. UMB Wikispaces also has a Discussions tool.

Joining a WikiIn order to join a wiki you must be invited by your instructor or wiki organizer.Some instructors use wikis to present course materials online. When you are invited to a wiki you will receive an email message that contains a link to the wiki join page where you can create an account.

Create an AccountSTEP 1 Enter your email account user name into the user name box and replace the dot (.) with an underscore (_). For example : Fred Jones (fred.jones@umb.edu) email user name is fred.jones. His Wikispaces user name is fred_jones

Create an AccountEnter a password in the password box. It should be at least 6 characters long.Enter your full UMass Boston Email Address into the Email Address box.Click JoinSTEP 2: Check your email box for a confirmation email sent to your UMB email address. You must click on the confirmation link in the email in order for your account to be activated.

Logging InClick the Sign In link at the top right of the http://www.wikispaces.umb.edu home page.

Access the Course WikiWikis that you have been invited to will appear in Favorite Wikis.Click the Favorite Wikis (green arrow) icon on the wiki home page.Click on the wiki name link to access the wiki. There is also a search box to find wikis at UMB.

My AccountClick My AccountThe Settings tab contains your account information, you may change your password in the About You section.The Your Profile section allows you to add a profile picture and create a profile page with information about you.The Your Settings section allows you to make changes to settings such as language, time zones, etc.

Adding a Profile ImageClick My AccountFrom Settings tab click Change link in the Your Profile section.Click Browse and select an image in jpeg, gif or png format on your computer to upload.Click Open.Click Upload.

Access the Course WikiClick My Account.Click Dashboard tab.The wikis that you belong to will appear in Favorite Wikis section. Click the wiki name link to access it.

Wiki Navigation MenuThe Navigation Menu located to the left of the content area, appears on all wiki pages.The Navigation Menu usually contains all pages in the wiki and may include links to other websites.

Using Mail It is possible to use the Mail tool to mail members in the course wiki. Click My Account.Click Mail tab.Enter the user’s email address in the To field.

Discussions ToolYour wiki has a Discussions Tool. It allows you respond to discussion topics posted by your instructor.

Create Discussion TopicClick Discussion Tab.Enter a subject in the subject box.Enter a message in the message box.Click Post.

Open DiscussionDiscussion posts appear as links in at the top of the Discussions page.Click the Discussion Subject link to read the post.

Reply to DiscussionA Reply box appears below the Discussion post.Enter a response into the Reply message box.Click Post.

Wikispaces ResourcesWikispaces Helphttp://help.wikispaces.comhttp://www.wikispaces.com/help+indexhttp://help.wikispaces.com/Help.Editing Wikispaces Tourshttp://www.wikispaces.com/site/tour#introduction