using web 2.0 to facilitate learning

Using Web 2.0 Technologies to Facilitate Learning:

A student collaboration project between Florida A&M University and Midwestern State University

Ms. Mitzi Lewis

Midwestern State University

Dr. LaRae M. Donnellan, APR, CPRC

Florida A&M University

Objectives

1. Investigate usefulness of Web 2.0 technology to facilitate learning across distance

2. Use Internet survey to explore college student political beliefs

Net Generation

Social Technographics Profile Measures technology use NetGens: Creators, Critics, Collectors

Diffusion of Innovations Perceived attributes Type of innovation-decision Communication channels Nature of social system Extent of change agent’s promotion

efforts

1. Identifying Research Area

“College Student Election Survey”

Web 2.0 Tools

Teleconference E-mail Blog Wiki SurveyMonkey

College Student Election Survey

Created in summer 2008 22 questions

Political leanings Preferences Issues How learned about the survey

900 responses

2. Gathering Data

1. Tracking student participation on blog & wiki

2. Soliciting feedback via classroom discussions

3. Soliciting feedback via survey

4. Communicating regularly via e-mail & phone

Blog Use

Blogs – Confident in abilities to use

Blogs – Effective way to communicate w/ team

Response % No.

Strongly disagree

0.0% 0

Disagree 0.0% 0

Neutral 15.0% 3

Agree 55.5% 11

Strongly agree

30.0% 6

Response

% No.

Strongly disagree

10.0% 4

Disagree 35.0% 7

Neutral 35.0% 7

Agree 15.0% 3

Strongly disagree

5.0% 1

Wiki Use

Wiki – Confident in abilities to use

Wikis – Effective way to communicate w/ team

Response

% No.

Strongly disagree

0.0% 0

Disagree 0.0% 0

Neutral 20.0% 4

Agree 60.0% 12

Strongly agree

20.0% 4

Response % No.

Strongly disagree

20.0% 4

Disagree 20.0% 4

Neutral 40.0% 8

Agree 10.0% 2

Strongly agree

10.0% 2

Would You Collaborate Again?

Interested in future collaborative projects with students at other universities

Response % No.

Strongly disagree 15.0% 3

Disagree 15.0% 3

Neutral 10.0% 2

Agree 35.0% 7

Strongly agree 25.0% 5

3. Interpreting Data

Wiki more effective than blog Ease of use Comfort level Understanding potential

Collaboration Not “natural” Didn’t work

4. Acting on Evidence

Mid-project adjustments More class structure

Scaffolding

5. Evaluating Results

Creating effective teams is challenging – especially at a distance.

SM tools not seen as valuable. More structured instruction?

Motivation Consequences

6. Conclusions

1. Design technology use around learning objectives.

2. Use “scaffolding” – Show students how to apply tools in other contexts.

Observations/Future Research

1. Role of competing SM activities going on at the same time: TubeTheVote e-zine.

Observations/Future Research

2.Role of race & ethnicity in the adoption of Web 2.0 tools in educational setting.