Developing Collaborative and Topic-based Writing Competencies using a Wiki

Abstract

Topic-based writing is a prominent industry competence for technical communicators, and wikis are an appropriate and widespread publishing platform for topic-based content. Technical communication students undertook an assignment to create individual topics and publish the output on a collaborative wiki. They also collaborated and reflected on the assignment via a discussion forum. Through the assignment, they developed several competencies that are required in industry, including topic-based writing and collaboration. Students encountered some challenges, but they appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a published body of knowledge.