As presented for Infolink in December, 2009

1. Wikis
Collaborate, Connect & Contribute
Nico le C. Enga rd
ne ng ard@ gm ai l.c om

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. Wiki Options
Locally Hosted
Remotely Hosted
Technical skills
Stored on someone
required
else’s server
Your own web
May have a cost
server required
associated with it
(will cost money)
Limited control
Complete control
Easy to learn
More of a learning

9. Let’s Play
Go to www.wetpaint.com and
sign up for your very own wiki

10. Name your Wiki
Visit www.wetpaint.com
Name your site & choose a URL
Click GO!

11. Describe your Wiki
Describe your site
Choose a category
Decide who can view your site

12. Who can edit your Wiki?
Decide who can edit your site

13. Pick a Wiki Theme
Decide what you want your wiki to look like

14. Customize your Wiki
Confirm your wiki name
Upload a logo for your site

15. Create a WetPaint Account

16. Invite Wiki Editors

17. Confirmation Email
Check your email
for your
confirmation
Make sure you
save this email

18. Let’s Play More
Let’s work on the wiki together
to see how easy it is!!
http://infolinktrain.wetpaint.com

19. Thank You
Nicole C. Engard nengard@gmail.com
Slides: http://web2learning.net > Publications & Presentations
Pres en te d fo r In foLi nk