Wikispaces is a free web hosting service launched in 2005 that allows anyone to create, share, and collaborate on websites. It provides ease of access without requiring software and allows universal sharing of information. However, teachers must prepare students on how to properly use Wikispaces to avoid plagiarism and ensure editorial guidelines are followed. Practical applications in the classroom include improving students' writing skills through collaborative writing, better evaluating student skills, and enhancing web-based learning and lesson planning between teachers. Overall, Wikispaces creates an exciting new tool that enhances the educational experience with fewer boundaries.

1. By Chris Thompson & Alexander Stojanovic

2. What is Wikispaces?

3.  Founded in 2005
 Free web hosting service
 Used by anyone from businesses, to schools &
individuals
 Used to create, upload, share and collaborate with
people from around the world

4. The positive...

5.  Ease of access – no software required
 Universal – ability to share with the whole world
 Access to information for both students and parents
 Something students can relate to and understand

6. The negative...

7.  Level of preparation – Students must first be taught
how to use the wiki-space created
 Plagiarism – students can easily cut and paste
material onto the wiki-space
 Limitations – requires access to associated
technological platforms (internet)
 Editorial abuse – constant editing required to ensure
proper editorial conduct

8. Practical applications within the
classroom

9.  Improve students’ writing skills – use of collaborative
writing assessments to improve creative/critical
writing skills
 Improve evaluation of students’ skills when matched
with syllabus outcomes
 Improvement of web-based skills for student learning
 Provides a platform for teachers to plan/organise the
selected unit/lesson

10. A Wikispaces English lesson

13.  Wikispaces is a new, exciting and important tool for
today’s classroom experience
 No matter who you are or where you live, it provides a
new way for teachers and learners to both achieve
together
 Enhances the learning experience for everybody
involved and provides and an educational system with
minimal boundaries

14. End....