A Window on Wikibookians: Surveying Their Statuses, Successes, Satisfactions, and Sociocultural Experiences

The present study explored the experiences of 80 Wikibookians who had developed or were in the process of developing wikibooks. Both online surveys and email interviews were employed to investigate four main factors, including Wikibookian statuses, successes, satisfactions, and sociocultural experie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of interactive online learning 2008-03, Vol.7 (1), p.36
Main Authors: Sajjapanroj, Suthiporn, Bonk, Curtis J, Lee, Mimi Miyoung, Lin, Meng-Fen Grace
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Differences
Collaborative Writing
Cultural Influences
Educational Attainment
Employment Level
Gender Differences
Individual Characteristics
Interviews
Males
Online Surveys
Satisfaction
Social Influences
Success
Web 2.0 Technologies
Web Sites
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Summary:The present study explored the experiences of 80 Wikibookians who had developed or were in the process of developing wikibooks. Both online surveys and email interviews were employed to investigate four main factors, including Wikibookian statuses, successes, satisfactions, and sociocultural experiences. The survey data indicated that the majority of these Wikibookians were young males with varying educational backgrounds (i.e., from high school students to those with advanced graduate degrees). A majority of respondents deemed their most recent wikibook activities as successful. Though challenging, very few were frustrated with the Wikibooks environment. These Wikibookians also recognized the multiple roles involved in the development of a wikibook as well as multiple owners or no owner of a final wikibook product. Interestingly, they viewed a wikibook as a way to contribute and share their knowledge, to obtain personal growth and enrichment, and to learn new ideas from others. Several follow-up research avenues are suggested.
ISSN:1541-4914
1541-4914