Using the Wiki

A wiki is an online document, web page, or web site, that allows multiple users to create and edit content collaboratively. Use these instructions to perform basic tasks in UW-Green Bay's wiki.

1. Click the Login link at the upper right of the screen, and enter your UWGB username and password. From this point on, any contributions, deletions, or edits will be tracked and associated with your name.

Logging in reveals tabs (see image below) which, when clicked, allow you to Edit content, Discuss changes and questions with other editors, view the History of changes on a particular page and create a personal Watch list that will indicate recent changes to selected pages.

Viewing an Article with the Article Tab

An article is the normal view of a wiki page. Click the article tab to read the content of a page. The article view is the readable part of a wiki, while the writable part is in the edit screen.

Editing a Page with the Edit Tab

There are two ways to edit content of a wiki page, or article. Edit the entire page by clicking the edit tab. For more convenient and specific editing access click the edit link at the upper right of each Section. Sections are used to organize content on a page, and it is recommended that you edit one section at a time.

Guidelines for the edit view:

• You will see some unusual codes like equals = signs. Do not change the code unless you intend to adjust the display formatting.
• Add text as you would in a word processing program. Edit or remove others' content as necessary and as determined by the project. Be respectful when editing another's content. A wiki, by design, encourages consensus and cooperation.
• While editing, click the Show Preview button as often as you need to, rather than saving often. This is to reduce multiple logs of one editing session. When you are completely finished editing, click Save Page.
• Keep in mind:
  • Edits are associated with your login name.
  • All saved changes are recorded (i.e., trackable) and can be reverted.
• see more information about editing commands HERE

Discussing an Article with the Discussion Tab

Each wiki page has a discussion area. Use this area for brainstorming, assigning tasks to group members, etc. Also use the discussion screen to clarify, justify, argue, and discuss the edits that you and other contributors have made.

• Click the discussion tab to access the discussion view.
• When discussing an article, apply a signature and timestamp with the button or tag "~~~~" (without quotes). This will help other contributors quickly identify who posted content and at what time.

Viewing History and Reverting to Prior Versions with the History Tab

An important element of a wiki is the ability to view prior changes to each article. This makes it easy to revert to previous versions, verify contributions, and view the evolution of an article.

• Click the history tab to view prior edits--who made them and when. Click compare changes to view selected version edits side-by-side.

To revert to a previous version of an article:

1. While comparing versions,click the link for the desired version (e.g., Revision as of 20:20, 29 May 2007).
2. Click the edit tab.
3. Click the Save Page button.

Viewing a List of Selected Pages with the Watchlist

The watchlist displays recent changes on selected pages. Think of it as a bookmark or favorites page that constantly updates as edits are made to each page.

• When viewing a page, click watch tab to instantly add it to your "watchlist."
• Click the watchlist link at the upper right to view a list of all your watched pages and recent edits on those pages.