To use or not to use Wiki: Gen Z* Perception, Motivational Factors, and Use of the People's Encyclopedia in Course-Related

Abstract

The researchers examined college students' perceptions, motivation, and use of Wikipedia as aresource for their course-related researchassignments. To obtain information on Wikipedia's usefulness, reliability, and accuracy, the researchers surveyed 210 senior students from the College of Arts and Sciences, Cagayan State University, Philippines. To understand the students' opinions on Wikipedia use and substantiate the survey results, the authors conducted a focus group discussion (FGD). Results of the survey revealed that students overall had a neutral perception of Wikipedia as aresource for their course-related writing assignments. These Gen Z digital natives use the site as a starting point to get an initial orientation on topics assigned to them. Results revealed that students consider themselves occasional users who visit the platform for quick help but only at the start of the research process. Results, however, showed evidence proving that those who worked with Wikipedia remained neutral in their opinion on the site's reliability and accuracy of information. The researchers also ran a Chi-Square test to assess the association between students' academic program and perception, motivation, and use of the people’s encyclopedia. Results manifested a link between academic programs and perception of the accuracy of Wikipedia information. They concluded that students use Wikipedia and rely on it to get a head start on their course-related research assignments. While students believe that the site can be a goldmine in terms of preliminary research and literacy, they are still determining the accuracy of Wikipedia information. They provided appropriate recommendations in light of the emerging results.