Web 2.0 in higher education - A framework for designing technology-based learning scenarios

Abstract

The subject area of technology enhanced teaching and learning is an increasingly discussed issue in theory and practice not least in the context of the current changes in German higher education. In particular, the use of Web 2.0 applications in (higher) education promises an added value both for learners and teachers. In the present thesis, the suitability of Web 2.0-applications for use in higher education is therefore systematically analyzed on the basis of fundamental (economic) factors and mechanisms. The factors “intensity of use”, “distribution of usage among the learners” and the “quality of the learning outcomes” which are thereby identified provide an explanation for the successful use of Web 2.0 in (higher) education. Based on these considerations a learning-scenario-model consisting of three levels (components, phases and overall scenario) is developed in order to take the relevant (didactic, technical and economic) dimensions of a learning scenario into account and to facilitate an integrated implementation of Web 2.0-applications in (higher) education. This constitutes the basis for specifying a framework for repeatable design, development and implementation of Web 2.0-based learning scenarios and a built-in analysis as well as an evaluation approach for the added value created by the use of the Web 2.0-applications in the learning scenarios. The two hereinafter examined learning scenarios "E-Business" and "Case studies in an international learning network" serve as case studies that form the basis on which the resulting framework on a general level and the deployment of the Web 2.0-applications on a specific level are developed, specified and verified.