The good, the bad and the wiki: Evaluating student-generated content for collaborative learning
Wheeler, S., Yeomans, P., & Wheeler, D. (2008). The good, the bad and the wiki: Evaluating student-generated content for collaborative learning. British Journal of Educational Technology(0).
Qualitative Study
Study consisted of
Who:
35 Students enrolled in Bachelor of Ed with Honors program
1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students
Ages: 18 - 25 + 2 older students
What:
Students used wikis during their classroom sessions as space to store and edit work from their research exercise and as a discussion forum. They were invited to post their views of the use of the wiki on a discussion board during the semester and completed a post-module questionnaire via email --(Did not say that all 35 of the students agreed or if any opted out etc)
Findings:
Over all Comments generally positive
Limitations
Students confused at the first session.
did not suit the learning preference of all students -- too unstructured
Some apportioned responsibilities but a limitation of this was to create individual areas as opposed to collaboration areas
Ownership and property rights became an issue-- others welcome to read but they did not want their work changed.
All students don't participate equally -- few students write.. many read
Benefits
Student were aware of unseen audience and had a desire to write accurate and relevant content
So, in general what is your opinion of a Wiki? How would you feel if your class project was a group project using Wiki to collaborate? I personally don't think I would like that for a couple reasons:
ReplyDelete1: It makes it possible to be in a group without being a group. I can hide behind my computer and delete things and the only recourse you have is to add it back and text me to leave it alone. It makes everything less personal.
2: People have different skill levels. I am very capable of using a computer and figuring out technology. Others I know are very capable of breaking anything they touch. My luck that would be one of my group members.
That's a couple... I'll leave it at that.