WRITING WITH WIKIS: A CAUTIONARY TALE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Abstract

Learning to write a scholarly literature review is often difficult for undergraduatestudents. This teaching note examines a pilot study of BSW students' use ofa wiki to collaboratively write a literature review in a research course (N=36).Students expressed negative responses toward the assignment and were reluctantto use the wiki. Their responses are explored through an examination oftheir activity on the wiki, discussion group feedback, comments in the courseevaluation, and unsolicited remarks made by students. Common criticismsraised by students were time-management issues, group coordination concerns,and assignment parameters. Suggestions for improving and modifying theassignment are discussed.