Facilitating Collaborative Learning Using Online Wikis: Evaluation of Their Application Within Postgraduate Psychology Teaching

Abstract

Virtual learning environments (VLEs) are helpful in achieving a blended learning approach to higher education. Online wikis are proposed as a potentially useful method to encourage collaborative learning through the VLE. The present study integrated wiki software into a module for Masters-level applied psychology students. Seventeen students participated in a week-long online group-based wiki task as a standard part of their course. The use of wiki technology to develop an innovative research idea was evaluated both by analysis of output (tracking of engagement with the intervention) and by self-report questionnaire (evaluation of the intervention) collected from a subsample of 14 students. Results indicate that the students enjoyed the task and perceived educational benefit from it. However, the content of the wikis created suggests that the instructions given to the students may not have been clear enough, and in particular that students were unsure of what the nature and purpose of a wiki is. Students clearly needed more preparatory training in using this technology, and clearer explanation of expected outputs, before beginning this task. This study provides further evidence that students benefit from, and enjoy, blended learning approaches and that wikis represent a useful way to integrate blended and collaborative learning principles.

Facilitating student engagement and collaboration in a large postgraduate course using wiki-based activities

“…More particularly, postgraduate students appreciate the fact that they can access online materials from anywhere (Allan, 2007;Schedlitzki, Young, & Moule, 2011). Students in our study also emphasized the enjoyability of the wiki, consistent with previous literature (Hulbert -Williams, 2010):…”

“…Wikis facilitate student learning by engaging them in an asynchronous way (Elgort, Toland, & Smith, 2008), allowing for future review (Brack & Van Damme, 2010), overcoming the challenges of large class sizes and limited face-to-face time (Brack & Van Damme, 2010), and providing flexibility for students with conflicting timetables and other commitments (Arbaugh & Duray, 2002;Marks et al, 2005;Carr, 2012). A recent study shows that wikis are a useful tool to facilitate collaborative blended learning among postgraduate students (Hulbert- Williams, 2010). …”

“…For instance, some students do not feel comfortable working in groups or feel confused about what is required of them (Wheeler, Yeomans, & Wheeler, 2008;Hulbert-Williams, 2010).…”

“…In order to facilitate the use of the wiki, an effective induction was essential (Clark, 2001;Salmon, 2002;HEFCE, 2009;Hulbert-Williams, 2010;Pimpa, 2011). Once students were introduced to the e-learning project during the first lecture, the Moodle wiki was explained to them during the first seminar by a member of the e-learning team at the University, who was acting as e-moderator, i.e., her role was to ensure user access and encouragement.…”

“…they had to read 150 wiki pages for the mid-term exam only). Secondly, when using a new technology with students, we emphasized the importance of clear, outcome-aligned, instructions on expected output (Hulbert-Williams, 2010;Pimpa, 2011). Students need frequent and qualitative feedback from the tutor/lecturer, and a clear underlying learning/teaching process.…”