Towards a Promising Technology for Online Collaborative Learning: Wiki + Threaded Discussion
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
Despite the well-established benefits of collaborative learning, successfully implementing group
activities in online environments is often a challenge for online instructors. Web 2.0 technologies provide
opportunities for the implementation of more effective computer-supported collaborative learning
environments for online learning. Yet, the affordances of such technologies are currently under-researched.
We present a case study investigating the affordances of wikis to support online collaborative learning,
compared to asynchronous threaded discussion tools. This case study focuses on two selected groups (four
students each) collaborating on the analysis of a case scenario, first using wiki (vs. threaded discussion), then
using threaded discussion (vs. wiki). Our initial analysis showed that groups demonstrated different patterns
of collaboration in each technology. Complete results, discussion, and implications of this work for future
research and practice in online education will be included in the final presentation.
activities in online environments is often a challenge for online instructors. Web 2.0 technologies provide
opportunities for the implementation of more effective computer-supported collaborative learning
environments for online learning. Yet, the affordances of such technologies are currently under-researched.
We present a case study investigating the affordances of wikis to support online collaborative learning,
compared to asynchronous threaded discussion tools. This case study focuses on two selected groups (four
students each) collaborating on the analysis of a case scenario, first using wiki (vs. threaded discussion), then
using threaded discussion (vs. wiki). Our initial analysis showed that groups demonstrated different patterns
of collaboration in each technology. Complete results, discussion, and implications of this work for future
research and practice in online education will be included in the final presentation.
Subjects
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