Learning experience of student journalists: Utilizing collaborative writing medium wikis

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the processes and effects of Wikis as a learning medium to journalistic writing. In a field study, undergraduate journalistic students are exposed to a Student-written Wiki to jointly compose news reporting online. A group of student journalists were then asked to complete a post survey to comment and reflect their learning experience of news reporting within the Wiki environment. Analysis of student journalists' responses to open-ended questions revealed revision as the core processing capability of Wiki. The motivational factors to revision include accuracy (fact checking), story enrichment, and personal interest toward the news topic. On the other hand, learners are also affected by the social interactions among the community users within Wiki. The results are important to provide practical guidance to the implementation of Wikis.