Experiences on the Application of WIKI Based Coursework in a Fourth-Year Engineering Module

Authors: D. Hassell, D. De Focatiis

Abstract:

This paper presents work on the application of wiki based coursework for a fourth-year engineering module delivered as part of both a MEng and MSc programme in Chemical Engineering. The module was taught with an equivalent structure simultaneously on two separate campuses, one in the United Kingdom (UK) and one in Malaysia, and the subsequent results were compared. Student feedback was sought via questionnaires, with 45 respondents from the UK and 49 from Malaysia. Results include discussion on; perceived difficulty; student enjoyment and experiences; differences between MEng and MSc students; differences between cohorts on different campuses. The response of students to the use of wiki-based coursework was found to vary based on their experiences and background, with UK students being generally more positive on its application than those in Malaysia.

Keywords: Engineering education, student differences, student learning, web-based coursework.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1130393

References:

[1] Augar N., Raitman, R. and Zhou W., (2004). Teaching and learning online with wikis”. Proc. 21st Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education Conference, pp. 95-104.
[2] Lipponen, L. (2002) Exploring foundations for computer-supported collaborative learning. Proc. Computer-supported Collaborative Learning Conference 2002, pp 72-81.
[3] Hew and Cheung (2009) Use of Wikis in K-12 and higher education: a review of the research. International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 19, 2/3, pp. 141-165.
[4] Likert, R. (1932). A technique for the Measurement of Attitudes. Arch. Psy. pp 140 1-55.
[5] Elgort, I. Smith, A.G. Toland, J. (2008) “Is wiki an effective platform for group course work?” Australasian journal of educational technology, 24 (2) pp 195-210.
[6] Lang, J.D., Cruise, S., McVey, F.D. and McMasters, J. (1999). Industry expectations of new engineers: A survey to assist curriculum designers. J. Eng. Educ. 88 (1) 43-51W.-K. Chen, Linear Networks and Systems (Book style). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1993, pp. 123–135.