The use of wikis as alternatives to learning content management systems
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471111125186 |
| Date | 12 April 2011 |
| Published date | 12 April 2011 |
| Pages | 225-235 |
| Author | Paul Laughton |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The use of wikis as alternatives
to learning content management
systems
Paul Laughton
Department of Information and Knowledge Management,
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify whether a wiki can be used as an alternative to a
popular learning content management system (LCMS) in an e-learning environment. The research
attempts to identify what value each of these e-learning components added to the students learning
experience.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach in the form of a survey was used. The
survey was conducted amongst a group of undergraduate students who were using both a LCMS and
a wiki in their academic course, along with the attendance of lectures.
Findings – From the response of the students, the wiki used could be considered as a useful
alternative to a LCMS. The LCMS was favoured over the wiki on a number of aspects but features of
the wiki made it ideal to enhance collaboration amongst learners. This makes it an ideal tool to support
minimal invasive education (MIE), where learners get an opportunity to learn from their peers.
Research limitations/implications – The comparison used between the wiki and the LCMS was
not ideal in all aspects as the wiki was used for a particular role in the course and did not have the
same features and functionalities of the LCMS.
Originality/value – This paper focuses on a valuable alternative to a conventional LCMS in the
form of a wiki, in an attempt to improve the learning experience of students.
Keywords Wikis, E-learning,Web 2.0, Worldwide web, Students,Knowledge transfer
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Continuous software development has contributed to the discovery of new possibilities
for computer use. This has also been assisted with supporting hardware refinement
and development. This has created opportunity in the economy while highly profitable
companies are involved with internet software development, making it an extremely
competitive industry. Recent developments in internet applications have seen the birth
of a new kind of user generated content on the internet and world wide web (WWW).
This user generated content is at the heart of Web 2.0, changing the way we use and
interact with the internet. The incorporation of Web 2.0 into e-learning has led to new
possibilities.
Advancement in teaching techniques has discovered a new role of peer interaction
to improve learning through social networking. Learning no longer is viewed as an
internal or individualistic process, but rather it has emerged as a social process (Lave
and Wenger, 1991; Levine and Moreland, 1991). This minimal invasive education (MIE)
concept can now more effectively be incorporated into the e-learning environment, with
the goal of improving the learning experience.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
The use of wikis
225
Received 10 June 2010
Accepted 14 September
2010
The Electronic Library
Vol. 29 No. 2, 2011
pp. 225-235
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471111125186
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