Download - Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0
1
Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0
Results of pilots at the eLearning Department of the University of Hannover
Miriam Lerch19th November 2009
2
Research partner
elsa = E-Learning Service Department of the University of Hannover
Provides extensive support and advice for the deployment of new technology and media in the learning practice
Partners include the Architektenkammer Niedersachsen and the International Association for Consulting Competence e.V.
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
elsa
3
Introduction video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgSbt7GrszY&fmt=22
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
Introduction
4
Evaluation Framework: seminar at the University of Hannover during the summer term 2009
Target group: 15 students of Bachelor Special Education + Technical Education
Period: 2 April – 12 July
Learning Scenario: Using the platform for collaborative web search for the preparation of group presentations
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
Study Setup
5
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
Learning Scenario with LearnWeb2.0
global web
search
add Web 2.0 resources to
group
comment, tag, share
1 2 3
6
Research questions
1. What skills in terms of using Web 2.0 technologies do the students already have?
2. Will the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?
3. How do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search – which functionalities are most heavily used?
4. Which prerequisites and competences are needed for collaborative self-directed learning with LearnWeb2.0?
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
7
Evaluation approach
Descriptive, multi-faceted and explorative survey
Using different qualitative research methods (interviews) with enriching quantitative methods (questionnaire, logfile analysis)
Timeframe of the pilot: 2 April – 12 July 2009
Participants: 15 students, 3 teachers
Data: 5 group interviews (9 persons), 5 drop-outs, 3 teacher surveys, server logs
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
8
Evaluation approach
Research methods:
1. Survey on Internet use
2. Group interviews (+ Logfile analysis)
3. Questionnaire for non-users
4. Teacher survey
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
9
Timeframe of Evaluation
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
10
LearnWeb2.0 can be characterized as groupware > category “collaborative systems”
supports collaboration during computer-aided group work
BUT: the support for communication and awareness has not yet fully been realized
possible impact on collaboration processes
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
System analysis of LearnWeb2.0
11
Answers to the research questions
1. What skills in terms of using Web 2.0 technologies do the students have?
Very different previous experience in dealing with Web 2.0 software
Use of various Web 2.0 applications rather passive; active use is limited to participation in social networks
Skills and previous experience in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies (i.e. Social Tagging) are relatively limited
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
12
Answers to the research questions
2. Do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?
9 users, 5 non-users Participants used the platform at the beginning of
the evaluation period more than at the end especially during and immediately after the exercises in the seminar
Using the platform privately at home
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
13
Answers to the research questions
LearnWeb2.0 was used between two and ten times Lack of time was given as a reason
Students preferred to continue current practices
Search functionality was used primarily, commenting or rating to a lesser extent (1 - 4 times)
Additional search methods were used (e.g. Google)
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
14
Answers to the research questions
3. How do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?
Used for searching and organizing media resources
Found media were used to enrich the presentations
Students also used texts and documents (offline and online) as background material
Not all found resources were judged to be usefulMiriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
15
Answers to the research questions
Opportunities for collaboration were hardly used Communication about resources took place outside of the platform (offline)
Technical difficulties interfere with work and collaboration processes
Difficulties in navigation and operation of the system (usability)
Nonetheless: LearnWeb2.0 was perceived by most students as helpful for collaborative web search!
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
16
Answers to the research questions
4. Which prerequisites and competences are needed for collaborative self-directed learning with LearnWeb2.0?
Computer literacy and skills to deal with Web 2.0 technologies
Competences regarding collaboration and group-based work
Motivation
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
17
Recommendations for future use
Users should have some previous experience and skills in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies
Thorough preparation (e.g. account creation) and sufficient time for getting used with the tools is needed
Teachers would like to have example learning arrangements
To improve search experience, the range of integrated Web 2.0 infrastructure should be as large as possible
e.g. link additional (locally popular) Web 2.0 services (Mister Wong, MyVideo, StudiVZ)Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
18
Recommendations for future use
Support functions related to collaboration and communication should be expanded
Resources should be applied to the learning context
certain resource types are more suitable than others (e.g. documents, videos)
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
19
Conclusion
Students currently still have relatively limited skills in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies
The brief introduction and training period were not sufficient for introducing the students to Web 2.0 and the benefits of various technologies for collaborative web search
The innovative character of the platform turned out to be a challenge for the users
Concepts were highly appreciated Suitable scenarios for putting the platform into use should be developed
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
20
Conclusion
The envisaged scenario of iterative tagging, commenting and rating was not used as expected
especially communication and collaboration support should be extended
Despite the technical difficulties encountered and despite limited online collaboration between students, the students judged LearnWeb2.0 as helpful for collaborative web search in preparation for group presentations
could imagine using the system in future
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009
21
Thank you for your attention!
Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009