Title: Integrating Web 2.0 in e-learning environments: a socio-technical approach

Authors: Marianna Sigala

Addresses: Business School, Department of Business Administration, University of the Aegean, Michalon 8, Chios, GR 82100, Greece

Abstract: The great diffusion of Web 2.0 is having a tremendous effect and change on the way people search, find, collaboratively develop and consume information and knowledge. Education and learning are not an exception of Web 2.0 trends, as the number of Web 2.0 empowered e-learning environments are booming. Although research in Web 2.0 applications in learning is rising, the studies tend to be very descriptive failing to identify and discuss the pedagogical theories and models that support and enhance the exploitation of Web 2.0 tools in (e)-learning environments. This paper aims to first discuss the use of Web 2.0 in (e)-learning and the new skills that they enable, and then, debate the pedagogical theories that support the exploitation of Web 2.0 for creating personalised and collaborative learning environments. To achieve that, a socio-technical approach is suggested.

Keywords: e-learning; Web 2.0; sociotechnical success factors; online learning; personalised learning; collaborative learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2007.016837

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2007 Vol.3 No.6, pp.628 - 648

Published online: 24 Jan 2008 *

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