Wiki use that increases communication and collaboration motivation: A reflection several semesters later

Robyn Davidson

doi:10.5204/jld.v8i3.256

Abstract

This article gave an account of how wikis were used as a platform to provide an opportunity for students to work on group projects without such barriers as communication and collaboration issues that arise from traditional group work. The original motivation to write the article was to share an innovative teaching experience so that others may be encouraged to try using wikis in the classroom to facilitate group work. It is pleasing to note the surprising number of downloads the paper received. I expect it has generated interest in those wanting to see how technology is being used and those considering adopting similar ideas for themselves. It would be interesting to hear accounts of others’ experiences that were prompted by the paper.

Highlights

The importance of communication and collaborative skills are evident in many professions
This paper describes how a group work assignment is facilitated with the use of a wiki platform that creates a learning environment that solves some of the problems encountered with group work
A large study by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) (Hancock et al, 2009) produced similar findings in that communication and collaboration skills are still identified as essential skills that are lacking in accounting graduates

Summary

Australia Abstract

A wiki, which is an accessible and editable website, is one such platform that provides the opportunity for students to work on group projects without the barriers that arise from traditional group work. A traditional assessment task of writing an essay that involved a research and knowledge component was redesigned to enable groups to communicate and collaborate at a distance using a wiki. Through participant observation and student reflections of the group project, a wiki was found to be an effective platform to communicate and collaborate on a group project and enabled different barriers to be broken down. Wikis provide ubiquitous access to group work, organisation and version control, levels the playing field for dominant and shy students, and provides transparency for non-performers and high achievers

Introduction

Background

Findings

Conclusion