Using Wikis for Software Engineering Group Projects: Experiences of Students and Instructors

Abstract

This paper reports on the experiences of students as well as instructors using wikis in a Software Engineering course in one semester at the Information Technology department at King Saud University. The wiki was used by students for managing and delivering their group project. Data about the usage and the experience of both the students and the instructors were collected and analyzed. Results of this study indicate that students are positive about using wikis in group projects. They used wikis in different ways and the vast majority found them useful in managing and delivering their group project. The study also shows that instructors are optimistic about wikis and believe they have potential for software engineering group projects. However, the study identifies some problems and limitations with wikis which render their usefulness limited for group projects. Accordingly, this paper provides guidelines for using wikis and recommendations for improving the wiki for use in group projects.