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

The use of Web 2.0 in (e)-learning and the new skills that they enable are discussed, and the pedagogical theories that support the exploitation are debated to create personalised and collaborative learning environments.

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.