Using a Wiki to Collaborate on a Study Guide

Abstract

This paper introduces an end-of-semester assignment to create a study guide for the final exam. This assignment helps with two objectives of an introductory Management Information Systems course: collaboration and using Web 2.0 technologies. We argue that to truly understand collaboration, students must learn more than what collaboration is, they must see it work on a task that is meaningful to the student. The exercise provides a meaningful task that cannot be done by a single student; however, it can be done effectively by many students working together. As they work on the task, they are using a Web 2.0 technology, the wiki. They finish this assignment feeling more comfortable with the technology, and having seen it work. This assignment fits in with a learner-centered education model. The instructor facilitates learning by students in a collaborative method. The learning outcome moves from knowledge acquisition to knowledge integration