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Wikis and forums for collaborative problem-based activity: A systematic comparison of learners' interactions
ARTICLE

, Cyprus Interaction Lab, Cyprus ; , The Cognition, Instruction and Learning Technologies Program, United States ; , Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, United States

Internet and Higher Education Volume 24, Number 1, ISSN 1096-7516 Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Abstract

This article describes an experimental study that evaluated differences in students' discourse and actions when they used a wiki with discussion (i.e., an enhanced wiki) vs. a forum with attached MS Word documents for asynchronous collaboration on two case problems. The study used a counterbalanced within-subject design with 34 online learners working in small groups. A systematic content analysis of learners' interactions coupled with visual, analytical techniques showed within-group differences in using the technologies. The study revealed the expanding nature of a forum and the condensing nature of a wiki. Also, findings suggest that in a wiki, groups tend to be more collaborative, whereas in a threaded discussion, groups tend to be more cooperative. The study provides insights for instructors who use wikis and forums in their online courses to support collaborative problem-based activity.

Citation

Ioannou, A., Brown, S.W. & Artino, A.R. (2015). Wikis and forums for collaborative problem-based activity: A systematic comparison of learners' interactions. Internet and Higher Education, 24(1), 35-45. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from .

This record was imported from Internet and Higher Education on January 29, 2019. Internet and Higher Education is a publication of Elsevier.

Full text is availabe on Science Direct: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2014.09.001

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