Social Media in Higher Education

Abstract

This study uses the theoretical framework of social constructivism and Communities of Practice (CoP) in two qualitative case studies that explore the use of wikis in online courses in teacher education to promote collaborative writing, problem-solving, and knowledge construction. The case studies involve data collection in the form of interviews, student products on wiki pages from the two courses, and course feedback. Several themes emerge that can be categorized under the broad headings of community building and collaboration, creative process, professional growth, and technology and the research process. Recommendations are made for educators that may be useful in augmenting their students’ e-learning experiences with wikis.