Abstract:

Wikis are simple to use, asynchronous, web-based collaborative hypertext authoring systems. In a wiki-based learning scenario, participants co-write and co-edit web pages. During such processes, peer interaction can motivate participants, who construct synergically shared knowledge. For many years now, wiki culture has been spread in various sectors and levels of education. However, beyond the success of Wikipedia, the full potential of wiki-based collaborations in today's classrooms has not been realized, due to teachers' lack of awareness or students' relatively low levels of participation in wiki environments.

The WikiSkills project (Lifelong Learning Programme, KA3, 2012-2013) aims to study the current usage of wiki environments in educational contexts in Europe, including opportunities and limitations. This paper describes the results of several focus groups which were conducted with Spanish primary and secondary school teachers. The study enabled to identify teachers’ current practices regarding wikis in teaching settings, as well as obstacles and success factors towards their relevant usage in the classroom. Results outlined that, beyond getting acquainted with wiki technological and pedagogical affordances, teachers need to learn how to manage their classroom, as well as define their role and the ones of their students, in the context of wiki-based scenarios.

Keywords:

Wikis, web 2.0, collaborative learning.