The motivational underpinnings of using wikis for collaborative group work

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of goal orientations on students' engagement in using wikis for collaborative writing. Hong Kong secondary school students (N = 422) participated in the study and answered questionnaires about their goal orientations and their level of engagement when using wikis for collaborative project work. Results showed that students who pursued mastery and social goals were more engaged in their collaborative projects. However, it was students who pursued performance goals who achieved higher grades. Implications for synergizing research on IT in education and motivational psychology are discussed.