Improvement of MediaWiki to support mandatory collaboration

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to design collaboration mechanisms for groups, particularly those who are performing mandatory collaborative writing of Wiki pages.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study utilized six design science research methodology steps. Two case studies were conducted to understand how a MediaWiki with additional extensions potentially facilitates collaborative writing. Questionnaires were used to collect answers to questions about perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.

Findings

The findings from this research led to the innovative design of a set of MediaWiki mechanisms to improve collaborative writing in the classroom setting. The findings of the second round of the build-and-evaluate loop illustrate some potential impacts of MediaWiki when used in the classroom.

Research limitations/implications

These mechanisms would increase the students' sense of awareness, clarify management, increase discussion, and clarify students' roles. The implications of this study can be useful for researchers and developers. They can make use of what the study articulates the benefits and the needs of MediaWiki extensions.

Practical implications

The results of this study potentially offer new mechanisms that can be used to teach graduate students involved in collaborative writing.

Originality/value

The creation of the newly developed extensions is the original and innovative component of this study. These extensions are designed to increase project control and accountability.

Citation

Kasemvilas, S. and Olfman, L. (2013), "Improvement of MediaWiki to support mandatory collaboration", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 230-246. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-05-2013-0009