The effects of using a wiki on student engagement and learning of report writing skills in a university statistics course

Authors

  • David L. Neumann Griffith University
  • Michelle Hood Griffith University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1141

Abstract

A wiki was used as part of a blended learning approach to promote collaborative learning among students in a first year university statistics class. One group of students analysed a data set and communicated the results by jointly writing a practice report using a wiki. A second group analysed the same data but communicated the results in a practice report that they wrote individually. Both groups were taught the same material. The report was used for practice as a way to support student learning and was not submitted for assessment. Both approaches improved report writing knowledge and did not differ in the mark obtained on an individually written research report subsequently submitted for assessment. The wiki approach produced higher engagement with other students, cognitive engagement, and class attendance than the individual approach. Qualitative feedback suggested some drawbacks to using a wiki. Overall participation was also low with only 2 of the 22 wiki subgroups completing all components of the practice report. The present findings suggest that student engagement, but not performance on assessment, may be enhanced when a wiki is used to support learning in higher education.

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Author Biographies

David L. Neumann, Griffith University

School of Psychology - Gold Coast, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University

Michelle Hood, Griffith University

School of Psychology - Gold Coast, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University

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Published

2009-07-19

How to Cite

Neumann, D. L., & Hood, M. (2009). The effects of using a wiki on student engagement and learning of report writing skills in a university statistics course. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1141