Do you have a pile of photographs that your family members want you to make copies of for them? Or do you (or your child) have a school project that necessitates tracing your family's history? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a current, living record of your family that can be easily updated and shared? If so, keep reading! Here's a picture of what you can create, but you can go to directly to my family wiki by clicking on the link at the left!
Who can use this site to make their own family wiki tree? Anyone who is not afraid of trying a few new things will be able to use the tips on these pages to create their own wiki tree. Basic computer skills are a plus, but don't let fear hold you back! Primarily, this content is geared towards young adults and adult learners with only very basic technology skills who lack the confidence to contribute to a collaborative wiki. For example, I've included a link to this site from the wiki tree I created for my sample project so that my family members can learn what to do; hopefully, they will feel more comfortable about being collaborators.
Why a wiki for a family tree? By creating a family wiki tree, you are building a storehouse of your whole family history that can easily be updated, edited, and shared by other family members. It's the perfect outlet for family communications that can be challenged by time and geographical distance. As a living tree, your wiki will never truly be "finished", but after working through these pages and beginning your family's wiki, you will have the framework for something your whole family can cherish for as long as you keep it active.
But, why do we NEED this? Wikis are collaborative projects that can utilize whatever technologies you really feel like contributing! This means that members can use their Intelligence strengths to communicate in the manner that is best for them--be it video, digital writing, or photography. Also, both "Digital Immigrants" and "Digital Natives" are able to learn from one another when involved in this same type of community.
What will it look like? That's the great part--you decide! Here's a link to the Pickens Wiki Tree that I have created as a sample for you to explore. Take a look through it now, but then come right back and learn how to create your own! There will be plenty of time for exploring my fascinating family history when you are finished.
What technology skills will I need to learn? Don't worry--I am going to walk you through some of the basic elements that you can add to make your wiki special. You would be surprised, but the toughest thing to do is to find time! Basically, you will learn how to create your own family tree wiki, including: converting paper documents into electronic images, creating a movie using your photographs, uploading your video to the web, and putting that movie into your wiki.
How do I navigate this web site? Below are links to each activity that you can explore to add interest or background to your wiki. You can either click on each link from here, or start at the first one and work through the web site.
- Creating a Wiki Space
- Adding/Editing Text
- Converting Photographs to electronic images (scanning)
- Converting text documents to electronic images (scanning)
- Uploading images to your wiki
- Creating a movie using your digital or scanned photographs
- Uploading your movie to the web
- Putting your movie onto your wiki
What kind of technology issues might I run into? Each section will warn you about possible stumbling blocks. For example, you may run into a problem with having too much content on your wiki and not know how to put more on there! I'll give you some additional resources to explore for more detailed assistance on the relevant pages.
Now, go on to Step 1 to get started!
I'll help you create a wiki space!