Wikis as Collaborative Learning Tools in Higher Education: From Content Analyses of Wiki Behaviors to Instructional Practices

• In Event: Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: Division C Section 7 Technology Research Poster Session

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to take snapshots of class wikis to understand how class wikis are used to support collaborative learning in higher education. The researchers conducted content analysis of 10 class wikis to gain insight into wiki structures, students’ editing behaviors and interaction, as well as instructors’ scaffolding on wikis. The findings included that student wiki projects were structured as topic-driven pages, group-driven pages, and personal pages; most students’ edits were focused on adding and deleting their own content and messages were mostly for planning and giving feedback; instructors provided guidance in various ways, such as assignment instructions, page templates, and suggestions to improve projects. The implications for enhancing collaborative learning on wikis are also discussed.

Authors

• Chun-Yi Lin, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Hyunkyung Lee, Yonsei University