Article Abstract

	Title:	Developing wikis to foster web-based learning communities: an iterative approach
	Author:	Naomi Augar, Ruth Raitman, Wanlei Zhou
	Address:	School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125 VIC, Australia. ' School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125 VIC, Australia. ' School of Engineering and Information Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125 VIC, Australia
	Journal:	International Journal of Web Based Communities 2006 - Vol. 2, No.3  pp. 302 - 317
	Abstract:	This paper discusses ongoing research at Deakin University, which focuses on developing wikis to foster web-based learning communities. Research to date has used wikis to facilitate collaborative icebreaker exercises, discussions, and to create knowledge repositories. Student feedback has contributed to the iterative revision of the wiki interface, the icebreaker exercise and the development of new tasks for students to complete using the wiki. The analysis and discussion of the experiments presented in this paper focuses on usage trends such as the signature, viewing and editing patterns exhibited by the student cohort. The community building potential of wikis is discussed, highlighting the specific wiki features that can be used to foster a sense of community in a web-based learning environment. Finally, issues surrounding the development of web-based learning communities, which have emerged through the wiki study, are discussed and future directions are outlined.
	Keywords:	wikis; web based communities; learning communities; identity; online learning; Australia; wiki interface; e-learning; electronic learning
	DOI:	10.1504/IJWBC.2006.011761
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