Learning Space Mashups: Combining Web 2.0 Tools to Create Collaborative and Reflective Learning Spaces

Abstract

Abstract:In this paper, Web 2.0 open content mashups or combinations are explored. Two case studies of recent initial teacher training programmes are reviewed where blogs and wikis were blended to create new virtual learning spaces. In two separate studies, students offer their views about using these tools, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. There is also discussion about aggregation of content and a theorization of how community and personal spaces can create tension and conflict. A new 'learning spaces' model will be presented which aids visualization of the processes, domains and territories that are brought into play when content and Web 2.0 tools are mashed up within the same space.

Using Facebook in University Teaching: A Practical Case Study

“…Laru, Näykki and Järvelä (2012) discuss a number of studies that demonstrate the benefits of blogs (Churchill, 2009;Ellison & Wu, 2008;Yang, 2009;Halic, Lee, Paulus & Spence, 2010;Wheeler, 2009, Hemmi, Bayne & Land, 2009Xie & Sharma, 2008), wikis (Cress & Kimmerle, 2008;Wheeler;Hemmi, Bayne & Land, 2009) and social networks (Arnold & Paulus, 2010). However, like Meyer (2010), they also highlight the lack of empirical studies into the impact of Web 2.0 in higher education.…”

“…These media have been highlighted for their potential to be used in the teaching-learning process within higher education (Brown, 2012;Wheeler, 2009;Ajjan & Hartshorne, 2008;Churchill, 2009;Ellison & Wu, 2008;Top, Yukselturk & Inan, 2010;Çağlar & Demirok, 2010). Nowadays, university students spend part of their time making use of Web 2.0 tools.…”

Facilitating student engagement and collaboration in a large postgraduate course using wiki-based activities

“…Such pedagogical opportunities have been largely emphasized in the context of wikis (Cress & Kimmerle, 2008;Wheeler, 2009). Wikis provide new and simple ways for a web-based collaboration and authoring and have been used as e-learning environments in schools and higher education (Leuf & Cunningham, 2001;Bruns & Humphreys, 2005;Richardson, 2008).…”

Using Augmented Reality to engage STEM students with an authentic curriculum

“…We selected the blog tool to support this function, and it was noticeable that several groups decided to take the blog idea, but to create and host 'their' group blog on one of the many free external tools, such as pbwiki, blogger or wordpress. Students comfort in carving out a shared and personal learning space for their teams to operate within shows how far students have moved from the tensions outlined by Wheeler [25].…”