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=**USHistory8 4Parents **= //Welcome to our companion wiki for parents/guardians of Iron Brigade students!//

__** Introduction **__ If you have navigated to this wiki, you might already have noticed that while everyone has the ability to view it, __**only members of this wiki**__ can edit the pages. Why not become a member of our learning community? Simply follow the instruction to join wikispaces or send an email to jholliday@mtlsd.net and I'll add you as a member of the wiki.

**Goals:**
 * Provide a digital tool for parents/guardians that demonstrates the technology/skills used by students in the classroom
 * Attempt to use technology to increase collaboration between home and the classroom
 * Experiment. I'm not quite sure what need this wiki will fufill. For now, let's create the tool and see where it goes...

**Participants:**
 * Parents/Guardians of students in Mr. Holliday's 8th grade U.S. History classes in the Mt. Lebanon School District, PA
 * Educators and other school officials who are interested to see the work and interactions of parents/guardians

** Description: **
 * This wiki is a workshop for parent/guardian exploration, interaction, and creation in the context of the US History-8 course

= Create Your Own Wiki Page? = ** Self-paced opportunity for training in technology **

=Here are ways a wiki can be used:=
 * **To-do list or c****hecklist**
 * **Plan an event**
 * **Project management**
 * **Collaborative workspace**
 * **A workspace to use across multiple computers**

Each unit project, student are asked to create a wiki page dedicated to their research topic. Why not practice using the technology and skills being used by your sons/daughters? I created instructions/guidelines for students to help them create a wiki page and I copied them on this wiki for you to model.

Here's your task. It models what your son/daughter is assigned in class.
 * 1) Choose a topic that fits the theme and time period assigned by the teacher. For you, let's say the theme is "Change" and the time period is "1995 to the present". Any topic would be acceptable as long it it fits the theme and time period of study.
 * 2) "Research" your topic. You've completed 8th grade so you can skip this step if you wish.
 * 3) Create a new wiki page (using your child's last name) using the directions below. A link will appear to the left.
 * 4) Explore how to create, edit, and save a wiki. Think about it's applications in your world. I'm sure your child is available for help if you need help. Don't worry, this particular page is locked so you can't hurt anything you see here.


 * I think the students would love to see the work you produce. Remember, they can view the wiki, but not edit the wiki.**
 * **__Step 1__:** Over to the left, you will see " New Page ".
 * Click on that link and use your last name as the title.
 * A new page will be created.
 * Type information into this document and hit " Save ".
 * Your name will appear over to the left alphabetically. This is //your// personal wiki page.
 * Note: Your page does not exist until you hit " Save ".
 * **__Step 2__:** Click on your name to access your personal wiki.
 * To edit your personal wiki, click on " Edit This Page " at the top of the document.
 * Always hit " Save " or your changes will not be accepted
 * If you happen to be working on the wiki and you see a message asking if you want to see recent changes... the answer to that question is yes! As a rule of thumb... if someone took the time to save something, you want it... if it's a draft, you don't want it.
 * **__Step 3__:** Use the guidleines below for your wiki assignment (10 points)
 * Include your project title and objective (1 point)
 * Include the answer to your objective (1 point)
 * Include a link to a website that supports your objective (1 point)
 * Include at least one graphic (image or video clip) (1 point)
 * Graphic(s) is/are relevant, explained, and support the written text (1 point)
 * Graphics are properly cited (1 point)
 * Include at least two different font colors (1 point)
 * Include at least two different font sizes (1 point)
 * Wiki is free of spelling and grammatical errors (1 point)
 * The wiki is a good learning tool (because of organization, readibility, and content) (1 point)


 * __Tips on Editing (Using the Buttons)__ **


 * If you hover your mouse over a button, it will tell you its function. Here are the ones I find most useful:
 * **"Color" and Style" Button** (The "capital A with red, green, and blue squares under it" will be your best friend)
 * Use this button to change colors, sizes, and styles
 * Use this button to change justification
 * **"Horizontal Rule" Button**
 * Add gray horizontal lines
 * **"Insert Link" Button**
 * Link any highlighted text to a website/image of your choice
 * Use the other button to remove the link
 * **"Insert Images and Files" Button**
 * Add images.
 * Another box will appear to help you edit your images.
 * **"Embed Widget" Button**
 * For those who are very comfortable with digital media. I invite you to use your creativity.
 * **"Insert Table" Button**
 * Create tables or boxes
 * **"Insert Code" Button**
 * For those who understand HTML code

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