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.