Why+a+Wiki??

This portfolio is a Wikispaces portfolio. =**Well, why a Wiki??**=

Upon consideration of various other portfolio ideas, I have chosen a wikispace due to its:


 * Usability -** This is an excellent, clean example of a knowledge repository, whereas other mediums can be messy and the information and knowledge could get lost. This is also an expandable medium, in which extra content (more lesson plans, more links, more resources) can go in, without navigation being a problem, and without losing its focus. Additional content can be added with little stress and an understanding of where it is to be added.


 * Resuability for future use** - A wiki is great for future planning, as it's easy to organize and search through, and stays online along with the host site.


 * Ongoing growth of content -** with simple uploading of files as well as the ability to delete possible outdated ones, this wiki can be ongoing indefinitely, and will grow from the extra content that is added or even modified. Wiki's content can be adjusted to the current needs of the teacher (Sheehy, 2009) in an easy manner.


 * Content that is also easy to be accessed, sustained and maintained** - as Anne Welsh (2007) states, wiki's can be added to, edited and read as well as built upon on an ad hoc basis. This is an easy to access portfolio, from any computer with internet access. It is part of a greater site and thus is more reliable as a wiki, and can be maintained by simply having editor/administrator control.

I thought it necessary to use wikispaces as I have never used it before, which would test, and increase my ability as a teacher to relate to students with using this (Which also ties to Learning outcome 1 of Unit 3 for VCE). Wikis are great for the above mentioned abilities, as well as being used as a community of practice tool (if this can evolve into that). That said, it will give me more practice on simple editing and creation of sites.

I have also tied my[| delicious] account for websites that are part of this wiki, but maintained by tags. There are resources on my delicious account that are on this site, but this wiki is perfect for much more structured approach to keeping the portfolio understandable. On the other hand, if I tend to use Delicious for accumulating links, as links can be added with a simple click on some websites, so if a page is not on the wiki, I will see it on my Delicious account and modify my wiki accordingly.

=Navigation= The site fits to the usual heuristic standards expected of a wiki. The navigational links are on the left, and the Portfolio is hierarchically structured. The Home page leads to the four major parts of the portfolio Lesson Plans, Reference Materials, Animations / Graphics and Teaching Tips and Support Groups. Other pages are related to the coursework and the subjects that were taught in Wellington and certain information that will be added onto these items in the future.

Also, items are tagged (such as in the delicious account), but also there is a search bar for ease of use in Navigation.

//Why maintain a Wiki??// Home