Title: Use of wikis in K-12 and higher education: a review of the research

Authors: Khe Foon Hew, Wing Sum Cheung

Addresses: Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore. ' Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore

Abstract: One of the many recent technologies to appear in the educational landscape is the wiki. Drawing on literature until end of January 2008, we review past empirical research studies on the use of wikis in K-12 and higher education settings. This review is organised into three topics: the settings in which research on wiki was conducted, effects of wiki on learners| outcomes and wiki usage profile. The conclusions overall suggest that most of the studies reviewed were descriptive and conducted in higher education settings involving participants from North America, and that past wiki research had been most frequently conducted in the education, and engineering and sciences disciplines. The question on whether the use of wikis can improve learners| outcome such as writing ability is unresolved. Students liked the asynchronicity and traceability features of the wiki. Students| use of wikis seemed to be influenced by four main factors: wiki usability, pedagogical issues, social environment and students| technical knowledge and skills. Several limitations of previous empirical studies were discussed. We conclude by providing some recommendations for future research related to the use of wiki in education settings.

Keywords: higher education; K-12; research review; wikis; learner outcomes; usage profiles; usability; pedagogical issues; social environment; technical knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2009.025024

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2009 Vol.19 No.2/3, pp.141 - 165

Published online: 10 May 2009 *

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