How+to+use+this+wiki

//**What is a wiki?**// A Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content.

In this wiki you will find information and project pages; some are editable and some are not. Most are open to all users so that you can add resources and for discussion and sharing of works in progress. The project pages will provide the space for you to post curriculum you are working on and work collaboratively with others to develop and refine your work.

Working collaboratively, whether face to face or online, runs more smoothly when we agree upon some basic guidelines for how we will work together. Business Week has provided the following "wiki etiquette guidelines" that are useful rules to keep in mind when creating content or editing someone else's work.

//**Wiki Etiquette**// borrowed from www.businessweek.com DO Be bold: Go ahead and create content or edit someone else's work. Wikis develop faster when people fix problems, correct grammar, add facts, etc. This is a collaborative tool, after all. Make notes: If you make changes, explain why you made those changes in the discussion or notes pages that are generally attached to wikis. Give praise: Has someone added useful content to the page or spent a great deal of time cleaning up the page so it's easier to read? Praise helps let people know their contributions are valued—and makes them want to contribute again. Build structure: Wikis need people to synthesize and structure content so it's easy to read. Even if you're not creating content, you can still help by shaping what's already there. Be polite: As with e-mail and instant messaging, it's often easy to misinterpret the tone of a comment. Disagreements over content or edits can become heated. If that's the case, it's a good idea to take a break for a day or two and come back to it later.

DON'T Take it personally: Yes, colleagues will edit your work and you might not agree with every change, but that's the nature of collaboration. It doesn't mean that your co-workers dislike you or think you're stupid. Ignore questions: Colleagues may disagree with your changes and ask why you made them. If so, be prepared to give concrete reasons for your edits. Delete useful content: Many times a posting can be improved by amending or editing it, but deleting content upsets people, and they may feel they've wasted their time. Be chatty: A wiki shouldn't be used as a chat room. Any discussions related to a wiki subject should take place on the discussion or talk page, not on the actual content page. Keep it secret: If you find valuable content on your company's wiki, tell others about it. Wikis benefit from a wide range of contributions.

To add resources or edit a page: Click on the EDIT button at the top right corner. Make your changes and then save. Simple and easy. To make a new page: Click on the Pages icon at the top of the screen; a data box will open--name the page and click on the create button near the bottom of the box. The new page will open and then you can edit and/or add text. Don't forget to save your changes.