Module 10

I really didn't know the difference between Wikis and Nings before I started this module. Now I have learnt that a wiki is a place where you can collaboratively create and edit pages. People join the wiki to create the content together, it is also used as a reference site. A Ning is slightly different because it is used to build a community. I have experienced using both of these. I have used a Wiki in my class as a site for sharing and creating research on a topic. Each student had their own page. It needed to be monitored very closely though as anyone that was a member could edit each other's work. I am also part of a Ning for the Southern Region e-Learning Coordinators. As the name suggests it is a community of teachers sharing work with each other. We can communicate and each have our own school page, however, we cannot edit or change each others. Both of these tools are useful in learning environments because it helps to build community. Knowledge is also shared more easily and work is made easier.

I have been thinking about the question I have to answer, "How can Web 2.0 tools assist in improving learning outcomes for students?" The answer is not very easy because I think we need to think about what it is that we are actually measuring. If for example we were measuring the achievement of outcomes according to our current syllabus it would be difficult to show whether learning outcomes have been improved. In other words, I do believe that the syllabus needs to change to reflect the skills we value in the 21st century. If we were measuring the skills that are highly valued in the 21st century e.g problem solving, collaboration etc. then these processes could more easily be measured. In any case, I know this sounds confusing but I do believe that Web 2.0 tools assist in learning. They engage students since this is how they learn today and they do assist in developing processes that are highly valued in today's society.

Recent research is suggesting that Web 2.0 is having positive results.