Leveraging Web 2.0 for Online Learning

Author(s):  
Prerna Lal

The emergence of the Internet and Web 2.0 has introduced enormous opportunities for a rising generation of tech-savvy young adults, students, and life-long learners. This chapter examines the various Web 2.0 tools, such as blogs, wikis, RSS (Real Simple Syndication), podcasts, mashups, and social networks, that can help make the online learning environment more interactive and interesting. The chapter provides an overview on the role of Web 2.0-based tools and technologies in providing a comprehensive structure for interactions and interconnections between three key components of a learning environment: the learner, the teacher, and the interface. Furthermore, the chapter explores how these tools can be used in exchanging knowledge, aggregating content, and collaborating with peers in online learning environments.

Author(s):  
Prerna Lal

The emergence of the Internet and Web 2.0 has introduced enormous opportunities for a rising generation of tech-savvy young adults, students, and life-long learners. This chapter examines the various Web 2.0 tools, such as blogs, wikis, RSS (Real Simple Syndication), podcasts, mashups, and social networks, that can help make the online learning environment more interactive and interesting. The chapter provides an overview on the role of Web 2.0-based tools and technologies in providing a comprehensive structure for interactions and interconnections between three key components of a learning environment: the learner, the teacher, and the interface. Furthermore, the chapter explores how these tools can be used in exchanging knowledge, aggregating content, and collaborating with peers in online learning environments.


Author(s):  
Riu Hu ◽  
Shuyan Wang

Online learning, which was defined as a learning environment using computer communication systems for learning delivery and interaction (Harasim, 1990), has been involved into all facets of society’s education. Online learning can be considered as a subset of the category of e-learning because it refers specifically to learning that is occurring via the Internet or Intranet. Online learning environment normally refers to learning via electronic communications, coursework, and/or information posted on the Web, and through other instructional activities by using Internet.


Author(s):  
Panagiotes S. Anastasiades ◽  
Konstantinos Kotsidis

The pedagogical use of informational communication technology (ICT) in contemporary schools is an important issue in today's era of online learning environments. The internet is constantly evolving and it is transformed from a space of searching for information into a space of content creation and collaboration among users. Web 2.0 applications are being implemented in all levels of education with the intention of enhancing learning and, for countries such as Greece which are new to the use of ICT in the classroom, the learning outcomes are yet to be fully evaluated. This article aims to assess the research about the implementation of Web 2.0 applications in the Greek educational system, in the context of the international bibliography about the use and learning outcomes of Web 2.0.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emine Cabı ◽  
Yasemin Gülbahar

This study is conducted to develop a scale for assessing the effectiveness of blended learning environments based on the features of both face-to-face and online learning environments and provide suggestions for stakeholders. In the process of scale development, data gathered from 314 students were analyzed. The reliability and validity results for collected data were found to be acceptable since they were between or above the expected value. Based on the analysis it is found that the scale is composed of 55 items having a structure of 4 factors. Hence, it can be concluded that "Effectiveness of Blended Learning Environments Scale" is found as reliable and valid, and can measure what it aims to measure. Blended Learning Environment Scale, which was developed and analyzed for reliability and validity throughout this study, is expected to facilitate the further research studies that focused on blended learning environments.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karsten Gynther ◽  
Ove Christensen ◽  
Rasmus Jørnø

Synkrone online læringsmiljøer muliggør realisering af en didaktisk praksis, der synkront kobler forskellige kontekster. Forskning i og udvikling af didaktiske principper, som kan guide uddannelsesudviklere og undervisere i deres arbejde med at udvikle didaktiske designs for synkrone læringsmiljøer, er imidlertid kun i sin spæde vorden. I denne artikel introduceres til et overordnet designframework for synkrone onlinelæringsmiljøer samt en række konkrete didaktiske principper, som eksemplificeres med en række designeksempler. Det overordnede framework rummer tre dimensioner i et didaktisk design for synkrone læringsmiljøer, der i kort form kan præsenteres som: a) simulering af tilstedeværelsesundervisning, b) remediering af tilstedeværelsesundervisning og c) innovativ transformation af tilstedeværelsesundervisning.Abstract in EnglishSynchronous online learning environments allow the realization of a didactic practice that creates contextual couplings. Research and development of didactic principles to guide teachers and developers of education in developing designs for synchronous learning environments is however still in its infancy. This article introduces a series of new conceptual tools and didactical principles for online learning environment and includes a general design framework for synchronous online learning environments and concrete didactic principles exemplified through a set of design examples. The framework outlines three dimensions of a didactic design: a) simulation of face-to-face teaching, b) remediation of face-to-face teaching and c) innovative transformation of face-to-face teaching.


Author(s):  
Lesley S. J. Farmer

This chapter describes the role of digital citizenship, particularly as it relates to school librarianship in online learning environments. It discusses the need for digital citizenship, its curriculum and standards, its place in school librarianship program preparation, distance education issues, learning resources, and implementation for the school community. Emerging issues are also noted.


Author(s):  
Nikleia Eteokleous-Grigoriou

The Mediterranean Youth Technology Club is a bridge building initiative designed to empower and educate youth, providing them with tools that would enable them to become socially and culturally responsible leaders. Within MYTecC youth simultaneously follow three different but complimentary curricula: English, Social-Virtual, and Technology in an informal educational setting, extensively using Web 2.0 tools. Two MYTecC cycles have been finalized, and a new one is in the process of being initiated. The current study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of MYTecC. It aims to capture the overall MYTecC experience from students’ and instructors’ perspectives. Additionally, it measures the development of youth’s social-cultural and leadership skills, skills and knowledge developed, as well as attitude changes. Finally, it evaluates the role of Web 2.0 tools in achieving the above.


Author(s):  
Jennifer Lee ◽  
Lin Lin

Based on constructivist principles, this chapter provides a new instructional design map for online learning environments. This instructional design map includes considerations of five elements, namely, learner, knowledge, learning environment, assessment, and technology. Considerations of these elements are based on analyses of the past and existing instructional design models, online learning models, and constructive principles. Applications of the instructional design map are also discussed in the chapter.


Author(s):  
Kathryn Woods

Advances in technology have increased opportunities for students to participate in online courses. While some instructors are beginning their careers teaching only online courses, others are discovering a need to teach sections of courses online after they have enjoyed a long career teaching in a traditional classroom. In either situation, it is important for instructors to recognize that students in online learning environments require the use of different strategies for encouraging engagement and participation in class. In this chapter, the author describes the challenges that students and instructors face specifically in the online learning environment as well as strategies for success, including how to maximize the impact of students' experiences and prior knowledge, using multiple platforms to deliver information, discouraging procrastination, setting clear expectations, encouraging individuality, capitalizing on diversity, and providing and utilizing helpful resources.


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