network . collaborate . share

Posting to the Wiki

As we start the year I am pleased to notice that I've had several questions around the Wiki and posting to the Wiki. This short post is a quick overview of how to contribute to the Wiki.

I like to think of the Wiki as an organic, digital teacher resource. The key word being organic. In the past, teacher support has been one way. Material is posted and you could download what you needed. I struggled with this concept because it didn't address all the new and creative ideas that emerged when a new resource is used in the classroom. The Wiki solves this problem. Each member of the Wiki can contribute ideas that worked in their classroom. By sharing I believe we contribute to the diversity of the course and this makes it better for everyone involved. So, let's make this Wiki a sustainable, dynamic and organic resource for all members. In the end it's your students that benefit.

Let me also address “the elephant in the room.” Many people have said to me “Lionel, I don't want to share because my ideas have value and I should be remunerated for my work.” I think you all know I run a publishing company and I think you can also appreciate that Bill Gates and Steven Jobs did not make their money in education. My point is if you think you can make something from your work, I encourage you to do that. But, and I'm speaking from personal experience, it's not as easy as it sounds and requires a lot of hard work...just like what happens in every classroom in Canada each school day. So, rather than focus on the monetary value of an idea, I think providing a site where we can share our ideas is the best way to move the teaching of science forward. And for those of you that have contributed to the Wiki or are thinking of doing so I thank you, your colleagues thank you.

Now, how to contribute to the Wiki.

First I would recommend you go to our introduction page and watch the videos that provide an overview to the Wiki.

Second, head to the Table of Contents in the Wiki and pick the section you want to upload a file or add an idea. When you get to the appropriate page you'll notice near the top right corner an Edit button. Click on the button and you'll get a refreshed page that looks a bit like a word processor with button icons at the top of the page. You'll notice familiar icons like bold, underline, upload and save buttons along with a few others.

Before your enter your idea or upload a file, please remember this important fact. You can never screw up the page. If you don't like what you've done, don't save it. Just select Cancel. If you do save something and don't like it, go back and edit it out. If you see something posted by another member that you can improve by editing, adding or changing, then do so. The power of a Wiki is that every member can contribute to making it better for the whole group. And if all that doesn't work, just drop me a note and I'll be glad to help.

But, back to your efforts.

Now it's time to add your idea or upload your file to the appropriate spot on the page in four easy steps. If you can, try to follow the general style of the Wiki.