Evaluating the use of a wiki for collaborative learning

Su, Feng and Beaumont, Chris (2010) Evaluating the use of a wiki for collaborative learning. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 47 (4). pp. 417-431. ISSN 1470-3297

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Abstract

A wiki is able to provide a learning environment which is closely aligned with the social‐constructivist approach and is more natural than many tools where open collaboration and the exchange of ideas are important. This case study analyses and evaluates essential aspects for the successful deployment of a wiki in a higher education setting using Salmon's five‐stage e‐learning framework. Indicators of the learning benefits were determined by qualitative analysis of students' wiki contributions. Students' perceptions were captured through interviews and questionnaires at the start and end of the project, thereby providing indicators of their motivation towards this method of learning. Our results suggest that a wiki can promote effective collaborative learning and confidence in formative self and peer assessment by facilitating rapid feedback, vicarious learning through observing others' contributions and easy navigation and tracking facilities. Student authorship was also encouraged. Issues identified included providing easy access to the wiki, lack of personalisation, possible vandalism and plagiarism. Also, students with learning difficulties might require extra help and take longer to familiarise themselves with this new e‐learning environment.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	This is an Author's Original Manuscript of an article submitted for consideration in Innovations in Education and Teaching International [copyright Taylor & Francis]; Innovations in Education and Teaching International is available online at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14703297.2010.518428
Keywords:	wiki, feedback, collaboration, social constructivism, e‐learning
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Education
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2014 08:48
Last Modified:	11 Nov 2024 11:31
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/88

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