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Supporting collaborative learning in online environments: The promise of wiki technology
DISSERTATION

, University of Connecticut, United States

University of Connecticut . Awarded

Abstract

Promoting collaborative learning (CL) in online educational settings is becoming an important and growing need. Compared to threaded discussion tools—currently the predominant means of online discussion and collaboration—wikis may provide opportunities for the implementation of more effective CL environments. Yet more empirical research is needed to support this argument.

This study explored differences in the level of collaboration and kinds of CL interactions evident in wiki and threaded discussion environments, as students worked in groups to analyze a case and produce an artifact. Activity Theory (Engestrom & Miettinen, 1999a, 1999b), which contextualizes human activity within an interdependent activity system, served as the theoretical lens for understanding student CL interactions and technology use. This study was conducted with 34 graduate students, enrolled in two sections of an online learning theories course. Hybrid methodologies were employed mixing qualitative, quantitative, and illustrative techniques during data analysis.

Overall, findings from this study favored the use a wiki for collaborative case analysis, over the use of a threaded discussion. The research contributes to our understanding of the effective design of online learning, computer-supported collaborative learning, and educational uses of Web 2.0 technologies. Implications for future research in online education are discussed.

Citation

Ioannou Nicolaou, A. Supporting collaborative learning in online environments: The promise of wiki technology. Ph.D. thesis, University of Connecticut. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

This record was imported from ProQuest on October 23, 2013. [Original Record]

Citation reproduced with permission of ProQuest LLC.

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