The Use of Wikis in Promoting Constructivist Learning
Julie Hong
ET, IL
Heafner, T.L., & Friedman, A. M. (2008). Wikis and
Constructivism in Secondary Social Studies: Fostering a Deeper Understanding. Computers in the Schools, 25(3/4),
288-302
A study was conducted in which one teacher taught World War
II to two separate groups of 11th grade U.S. history students. Wikis
were developed in one and the teacher’s usual instructional methods were used
in the other. The writers believed that attributes of a wiki, including ease of
use, absence of cost, open access, and its inherent interactivity, would create
a constructivist learning environment, thereby shifting from a teacher- to
student-oriented approach, increasing student efficacy and motivation. Data
collected included observations, teacher interviews, test scores, student
questionnaires, and follow-up student interviews. When comparing the two
groups, in addition to the wiki-developing students having a stronger
connection with the assignment and better retention of content than the control
group, it was noted that attendance and student engagement were also significantly
stronger in the wiki group.
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