Assessments in large- and small-scale wiki collaborative learning environments: Recommendations for educators and wiki designers

Abstract

This paper discusses assessment practice when wikis are used as learning environments in higher education. Wikis are simple online information systems which often serve user communities. In higher education, wikis have been used in a supporting function to traditional courses; however, there is little research on wikis taking on a larger role as learning environments and even less research on assessment practice for these learning environments. This paper reports on the assessment techniques for large- and small scale- learning environments. It explores the barriers to assessment described in the studies. The paper concludes with a proposal of five improvements to the wiki engine which could facilitate assessment when wikis are used as learning environments in higher education. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.