Wikis

A wiki is a repository of information which can be shared in multiple ways between groups and individuals.

They can be a very powerful focal point of member activity, especially if their pages are regulary maintained and useful links shares. Wikis are dynamic in that they can be constantly updated to reflect the changing needs of your membership. This wiki provides a good initial model of how this resource can be utilised.

Wikis can be great as either


 * points where you and your TA members share information or
 * points of meeting and collaboration on specific projects.

In this way, they can help your TA members to be engaged, keep in touch and continue their professional development by collaborating with other members on specific projects and topics.

You can create an unlimited number of wikis, all of which you should provide links for on your main website.

Here is a fun video introducing you to wikis created by []

media type="youtube" key="-dnL00TdmLY" height="344" width="425" You can choose from amongst many different wiki platforms. Some are free, some you have to pay for. With free wikis, you need to remember that there will be advertising, something you have to decide whether you want to have or not.

Wiki features
Wikis can have many different features - most have the standard features that include:
 * making your wiki private or public
 * allowing members to add content and edit pages or not allowing this
 * uploading and sharing images
 * uploading and sharing documents of different types
 * uploading and sharing videos
 * embedding videos for You Tube, Teacher Tube, Vimeo and many other sources
 * embedding animations of various kinds such as Animoto, Photo Peach and many others
 * changing the appearance of the wiki through themes and templates available

There are many more features and of course different wiki platforms allow for different numbers of members, especially if they are free.

The best thing to do is to use a great tool which we have found on the web,** Wiki Matrix**. This allows you to search and compare all wiki platforms available and through its 'compare' process, take you step by step to view which features you would like your wiki to have so that you can make the right choice.

The most popular free wikis which are used by many educators are **PBworks** ,**Wikispaces** (this one) and **Wetpaint**.

All the links provided above will take you to the sections for educators.

We have chosen wikispaces because it is free, easy to use and includes a discussion forum for each of its pages.
Here are some useful tutorials on how to get started, create your wiki, and more, if you decide to use wikispaces.
 * Introduction Tutorial; create your wiki
 * Personalise your wiki; select a theme and upload your logo
 * How to add images and files to your wiki
 * How to embed widgets in your wiki
 * How to organise permissions
 * How to invite members to join your wiki