This document provides an overview of using wikis in K-2 classrooms presented by Denise Wallace, an Instructional Media Specialist. It defines wikis as collaborative websites that allow users to easily edit content. Examples of classroom wiki uses include book reviews, research projects, reading logs, and class stories. Attendees are guided through creating wiki accounts and pages, adding images, videos, and links. Creating student accounts is also demonstrated. Useful tips and evaluation links are provided at the end.

1. Wikis in the K-2
Classroom
…And other details!
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

2. Welcome!
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

3. • Be sure to sign in
• If you are a walk-in, you are responsible for credit
• Please “silence” cell phones and take any calls into
the hall
• Check email / Internet during the breaks
• Be sure to get all handouts before leaving
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

4. Introduction to Wikis
• What is a Wiki? It is simply a collaborative website
where users can interact with one another and make
changes to anything on the site. It can be thought of as
a combined Word Document and Website in one.
• WIKI is a Hawaiian term (wiki-wiki) which means “quick.”
• Wikis are easy to edit and have the ability to track the
history of anything that is being edited. So, what you
post can be traced (accountability).
• Wikis are becoming more and more popular in
education for students and/or teachers to work on
projects collaboratively: Reports, Research
Projects, Classroom Introductions, Homework
Assignments, etc.
• Popular Wiki sites are free when you sign up or register.
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

5. How-to Video
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

6. Getting Started with Wikis
• Let’s look at Examples of Classroom Wikis:
– http://desbuffalo.wikispaces.com
• Interactive space for students to record their daily
assignments, collaborate on projects, and provide book reviews.
– http://hop2wilson.wikispaces.com
• Mrs. Hopkins 2nd grade wiki
– http://room4-wiki.wikispaces.com
• Our Hockey Story – 1st Grade
– http://kindergartencce.wikispaces.com/
• Kindergarten Layout Ideas (Great Wiki)
– http://instructionalmediawallace.pbworks.com/w/page/44406413/FrontPage
• Instructional Technology Wiki (Wallace)
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

7. Ideas for using Wikis in a K-2 Class?
• Author Studies • Newsletters
• Book Reviews • Pen Pals
• Research Projects • Recipes
• Reading Logs • School Tours
• Links to educational websites • Student of the Week
• Virtual Field Trips • Test Reviews
• Vocabulary • Introductions
• Math and Science problems • Spelling Lists
• Writing Prompts • Alphabet
• Calendars • Editing Problems
• TEACHER COLLABORATION • Comment on postings
• Parent Communication • Class Story
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

8. Now it’s your turn to Practice…
• Go to http://wikispaces.com
• On your handout, turn to Section II – (page 3 of your
handout) – “Creating a Wiki” and follow the directions
to “Create an account…”
• Notice that there is a site tour…
http://www.wikispaces.com/site/tour
and free educator access link…
http://www.wikispaces.com/t/x/teachers/th4
• We will learn how to
EDIT and ADD PAGES
ADD IMAGES, FILES and LINKS
ADD VIDEOS and WIDGETS
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

9. Adding and Editing Pages - is easy 
(Page 4 of your handout)
This is an example of the HOME Page where you can VIEW your work.

10. This is EDIT Mode.
Notice the edit toolbar is similar to a WORD Document.
Don’t forget to SAVE your work to return to VIEWING mode.

11. Creating a NEW PAGE.
Title your page and add tags if desired.
Click CREATE.

12. Still creating a NEW PAGE 
You are now in EDIT mode again and can make any text changes.
You can also add LINKS, IMAGES, and VIDEO to any information.

13. EMBEDDING a VIDEO WIDGET and adding an EXTERNAL LINK
(Page 4 & 6 of your handout)
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

14. Your Created page may look different in VIEW mode vs. EDIT mode.
Notice the Video Widget is now visible.

15. Creating Student Accounts...
(page 7 of your handout)

16. After clicking USER CREATOR, this screen appears

17. Create Users/Members by typing Usernames and Passwords

18. Continue with Username/Password setup

19. Finally, VERIFY Username/Password setup

20. Questions…?
For a list of more Wiki “Farms” try the following links…
http://www.wikimatrix.org/ Comprehensive listing of MANY Wikis!
http://wiki.wetpaint.com
http://pbwiki.com
http://wikispaces.com
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

21. Useful Tips…
• COPYRIGHT LAWS…
http://www.gpisd.org
Departments
Library Media Services
Copyright Laws
• Instructional Technology Help Page…
http://gpisdtechhelp.pbworks.com/w/page/6413893/GPISD-TECH-HELP
(PBWiki Link with useful GPISD tips)
Departments
Technology
Instructional Media
Technology Help
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace

22. Completion of Course
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION LINKS (the star icon) are now
available on your computer desktop. Please complete
before leaving today.
Please feel free to contact me…
denise.wallace@gpisd.org
Powell Elementary 972-522-6900
Reagan Middle School 972-522-7300
Instant Messenger
GPISD Instructional Media Specialist
Denise Wallace