Title: Exploring web-based design and technology lessons in lower secondary classrooms: a case study

Authors: Kian Leng Tay; Gwendoline Choon Lang Quek

Addresses: National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore ' Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Abstract: This study investigated the use of Google sites as the web-based technology to support secondary school students' learning of design and technology (D&T). Using qualitative survey, students reported their prior knowledge of e-learning and how the e-learning supported their learning. It was found that students did have certain misconceptions about what e-learning was about based on their prior e-learning experience. Despite these misconceptions, students were still able to recognise the benefits which e-learning brings. Students' reported positive and negative experiences in using Wikis supported by Google sites to engage their learning and the implications for educators and researchers will also be discussed in this paper.

Keywords: design and technology education; web-based D&T; e-learning; secondary schools; wikis; secondary education; case study; electronic learning; online learning; Google sites; student misconceptions; prior experience.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMILE.2015.068443

International Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments, 2015 Vol.3 No.1, pp.1 - 19

Received: 03 Feb 2014
Accepted: 09 Jul 2014
Published online: 03 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article