This study uses the theoretical framework of social constructivism and Communities of Practice (CoP) in two qualitative case studies that explore the use of wikis in online courses in teacher education to promote collaborative writing, problem-solving, and knowledge construction. The case studies involve data collection in the form of interviews, student products on wiki pages from the two courses, and course feedback. Several themes emerge that can be categorized under the broad headings of community building and collaboration, creative process, professional growth, and technology and the research process. Recommendations are made for educators that may be useful in augmenting their students’ e-learning experiences with wikis.
Since the advent of Web 2.0 prominence in 2006, there has been much discussion about the educational potential of wikis, blogs, and social networking, among other Web tools (Alexander, 2006; Armstrong & Franklin, 2008; Kamel-Boulos & Wheeler, 2007; Wheeler & Wheeler, 2009). Wikipedia defines a wiki as “a Website whose users can add, modify, or delete its content via a Web browser using a simplified markup language or a rich-text editor.” The name is based on the Hawaiian term wiki wiki, meaning ‘quick’ or ‘informal’.
WebWeb 2.0 Tools: Interactive on-line formats that allow users to collaborate such as social networking sites, blogs, wikis, and video-sharing sites.
Authentic Outcome: Providing an audience beyond the instructor and offering a real-world format.
Action Research Project: A personal investigation of a problem or issue in which the researcher collects information, conducts research, implements interventions, gathers data, and presents findings.
Communities of Practice: Groups of people who deepen their knowledge and expertise through interaction.
Collaborative Writing: Crafting a piece of writing through a shared process of drafting, editing, and revising.
AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted): Acronym for students identified as gifted in North Carolina school systems.
Wiki: An online tool used for group projects where members can upload, edit, and delete content.