Information Services Learning Management System

Using Wikis with JAWS

Wikis

The wiki tool provides an online workspace that can be used for collaborative work within a subject. A wiki is an editable web site consisting of one or more web pages. Contributors to a wiki are able to edit and publish content, upload files and link to other resources within the wiki and other web sites. Wikis can be added at a subject level, or for groups of selected users within a subject. The subject coordinator chooses the level of access and editing rights for users.

The wiki tool can be located in your subject menu or within a content page of your subject. If you can't locate a wiki, check with your lecturer as to where it may be located.

The instructions in this guide will describe the process needed to locate and access a wiki within a content page of your LMS subject.

1.1. Note about edit fields

Some times when in edit fields JAWS seems to get lost and no longer reads out options. The most reliable way to fix this is to close down the web browser and log back into the LMS.

1.2. Navigating to the wiki

If you are new to the LMS, the most effective method for familiarising yourself with the layout of any subject page is to arrow through it. The methods below provide shortcuts for people familiar with their LMS subject pages.

Once you are inside your LMS subject:

You are now somewhere in the area of your subject where the wiki is located. Exactly where you are varies depending on the page.

You are now situated at the section of the LMS subject page where the wiki (and maybe other items) will appear.

1.3. Opening a wiki

This will open the wiki you have chosen and you can read the contents of the current page.

1.4. Navigating through a wiki

The way wiki pages have been designed (in frames) means that JAWS reads a lot of text, some of which is irrelevant to the viewer. It is recommended that JAWS users arrow through the wiki page to familiarise themselves with what is on offer.

Within wikis the options you can select can vary. For example, read a wiki, edit a wiki, comment on a wiki, create a new wiki page, etc. Which settings have been selected will determine what is available to students.

1.5. New wiki pages

As a wiki is similar to a web site one of the more common options is to add content and complexity to the wiki by creating related pages.

1.6. Creating a new wiki page

1.7. Entering text into the new wiki page

Note: During the edit process the page may refresh and move the cursor to the top of the page. If this occurs, you will be unable to immediately arrow down to the save or cancel options. Instead you should press the letter B key and then ENTER on the save option, else arrow down again and ENTER on the cancel option.††

1.8. Editing a wiki

Wikis are a collaborative tool and pages may be created by more than one person. Even if a page is created by only one person, wikis tend to evolve over time so the ability to edit the page is essential.

Note: During the edit process the page may refresh and move the cursor to the top of the page. If this occurs, you will be unable to immediately arrow down to the Save or Cancel options. Instead you should press the letter B key and then ENTER on the Save option, or arrow down again and ENTER on the Cancel option.

1.9. Making links in a wiki

Just like a web page often the text within a wiki page will have live link(s). These links can connect to another page in the wiki or to a site on the internet.

1.10. Creating a link

A form for creating a link will appear. The form needs filling out to ensure the link is named, created and has the correct URL.

At the bottom of the form there are two options that read 'Insert Button' and 'Cancel Button'

You will return to the wiki you were working in. You should now see the newly created link in the wiki.

Creating a new link in a wiki can be difficult to manage; a new link can be made on your behalf. Please contact either the LMS team via the online help form http://servicedesk.unimelb.edu.au/itsc/lms/ or send an email to dlu-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

1.11. Making a comment in a wiki

You may also have the option to comment on the wiki pages that you or others have created.

You must be viewing the wiki page that you want to comment on (refer to section Opening a wiki)

However, the number of comments is now displayed next to the comments on the previous page.

1.12. View or delete a comment

After this information a delete link appears.

A dialogue box appears asking you if you are sure you want to delete this comment?

The options of Cancel or OK appear.

 

For students experiencing disability, some aspects of the LMS may present access difficulties. If you need any assistance or advice about using the LMS, or would like to book a consultation about your LMS subject please contact the Disability Liaison Unit at dlu-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

 

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