Annie Lau
Robert Gordon University School of Nursing and Midwifery, United Kingdom
Title: Midwifery students’ perceptions of using wikis in learning critical appraisal skills
Biography
Biography: Annie Lau
Abstract
The standard of pre-registration midwifery education in United Kingdom requires students to achieve competency in critical appraisal of knowledge and research evidence. Students often find learning research a challenge due to lack of utilization in practice. The study was to evaluate how wikis would enhance student collaborative learning appraisal skills. Mixed methods design was used to evaluate student participation and perception of using wikis. All final year students participated four structured wiki activities followed by face to face post wikis seminars over a 5 weeks period. Online pre and post wiki questionnaires were used to evaluate their perception of using wikis and one focus group interviews were conducted to explore their learning experiences. All students (N=28) were invited to participate an online evaluation. A total of twenty (N=20) returned the pre and post wiki questionnaires with overall response rate of 70%. Eight students participated in one focus group interview. 55% reported that wiki was easy to access and 65% students were clear about wiki learning activities. 40% students were comfortable to write comments on the wiki pages. There was significant difference in the students’ perception about their level of confidence in critical appraisal skills (pre wikis: Mean=3.13, SD=1.59; post wikis Mean=6.00; SD=1.14, p<0.001). Qualitative findings indicated wiki group dynamics plays a key element in student participation. Non engagement, time pressure and preferred individual learning style posted a barrier in wikis group learning. Future research warrant to explore grading of wikis contribution and associate factors in supporting collaborative learning.