UBC Wiki:Updates

On December 23, 2010, the UBC Wiki received an extensive update to be a more dynamic, useful, and useable collaborative platform.

What Will Change?

New Look

The New UBC Wiki (click on image to enlarge)

To help signify that the UBC Wiki is an official UBC project, we’ve given it a new look that brings it inline with the common look and feel of other UBC websites. We've also applied a new theme called vector, which is a MediaWiki skin that has been designed with the goal of increasing usability. In addition to an updated and streamlined look, some of the usability changes you'll notice are: The search box has been moved to the upper right to make it more visible. The read, edit, and view history tabs have been moved to the right, which increases spacing making the high functionality tabs easier to differentiate and find.

Improved Editing Toolbar

The Improved Editing Tool Bar (click on image to enlarge)

We've also installed a new toolbar that will make it easier to edit text and format pages without having to become an expert in wiki markup. The new toolbar includes an increased number of formatting functions as well as the ability to easily add special characters like superscripts. One of the improved features is a way to add tables to your page with a click of a button, making formatted pages very easy to create.

New Admin Bar

The Admin Bar (click on image to enlarge)

The new admin bar at the top of the page will be your one stop spot for your user account. This bar contains links to account pages such as the log-in button, your talk page, preferences, watchlist, and contributions. You can also use the admin bar to quickly navigate between the UBC Wiki and other UBC learning technology sites, such as UBC Blogs and UBC eLearning. The dark gray Admin Bar will help improve consistency and ease of use by being at the top of every wiki page. It will soon also be incorporated into the other UBC sites, such as UBC Blogs and Groups.

Improved Discussion Pages

The new discussion page (click on image to enlarge)

Discussion pages and user talk pages are now threaded and work similar to traditional web forum pages, making it both easier to read and to contribute to a conversation. Users are be able to start new threads and post a reply to other people's comments. The improved functionality includes: The user only needs to click a "Reply" button or link in order to respond to a comment. Manual indentation is not required. Comments are automatically signed and dated. Old comments are archived automatically and invisibly, with permanent links easily available. Discussions can be sorted by date Full wiki-markup can still be used

New Ways to Create Pages

Create a New Page Button (click on image to enlarge)

We've enabling an easy way to create pages with a click of a single button. Simply visit any of the namespace homepages (Main, Course, Documentation, or Sandbox) and use the built in form. You can choose to create a blank page or one that preloads a template which you can use to help build a page with a rich, structured design.

Upgraded Software

The UBC Wiki will be running on the most current version of MediaWiki. You can read the release notes for MediaWiki 1.16 to learn about everything that will change under the hood.

Let Us Know What You Think

You can leave comments about the upgrades on this article's discussion page or you can email us at wikisupport@exchange.ubc.ca.