Oideachas 2.0: Using Web 2.0 in the Irish Educational Context Presented by Ronan Carty Supervised by Damian Gordon MSc in Computing (Information Technology) Dublin Institute of Technology

Overview Who am I? What is my Masters research? Survey of Computer Science Lecturers Demo of Prototype Learning Environment

Who am I? MSc in Information Technology (DIT) 12 Month taught masters 12 Modules (6 per semester) Research Dissertation (3 Months) Here to speak with like-minded people

Research Topic Use of Web 2.0 Technology in Education Survey of 100 Irish Computer Science Lecturers Development of Prototype Learning Environment

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 in Education Desilets (2004) conducted research to test if using a Wiki required technical ability, after a fifteen minute training session to a class of 15 children 8-9 years of age. The experiment conclusively found that there were minimal difficulties in the students using Wiki Pages. Honegger (2005) identified potential barriers to the use of Wiki’s in education Institution lacking Wiki servers, Lecturers lacking Technical Skills, Lacking WYSIWYG, Students required to edit Wiki’s using html.

Web 2.0 in Education Bruns (2005) found that students can be reluctant to publish their work on websites in a less than perfect state. Downes (2004) identifies a lecturer at the State University of New York whose media law class were rewarded with course credit for online discussion and use of blogs. Horton (2006) found that control of an e-Learning environment encourages student motivation in education.

Survey 14 Questions 104 Computer Science Lecturers throughout Ireland’s Third Level Institutions What technologies are in use Opinions on Technology in the class room

What is Web 2.0? “I have no idea” “I have no direct experience of "Web 2.0", apart from hearing the term being used on an ever-increasing basis.” “I'm an engineer, not a marketing droid, I don't describe anything as ‘Web 2.0'” 23% Skipped the question.

“I find the use of technology in the classroom motivates students.”

“My Institution should provide me with a choice of frameworks for the inclusion of technology into the modules I teach.”

Which of the following do you provide for your students in modules you teach?

If the resources were available, would you video record your lectures and make them available to students after each class?

Additional Comments Video Recording A Lecture “Maybe for some 4th year course. Most likely for postgraduate courses.” “I would not be comfortable with the idea of footage of my lectures being generally available and I don't feel comfortable being filmed during a lecture” Many respondents expressed concern with Attendance levels

Additional Comments “As a computing lecturer, I feel we don't use Web 2.0 enough (or technology in general).” “(Web 2.0 tools) would encourage student conversations on particular topics. Would allow students to access missed lectures.” “Could be useful tool’s to facilitate students in organising their work.”

Personalised Learning Environment Student Portal and Lecturer Portal An aid to the Lecture Hall. Not a replacement. Click and Add System Encourage use of Technology Encourage choice of Learning Techniques Encourage Sharing of Teaching Techniques

Benefits for Lecturers Lowering the technological expertise Lowering time required to implement technologically rich teaching methods Library of available processes and modules Scalable System

Benefits for Students Removing Barriers to Learning One Log-In/One System Pushing Data to students using RSS Personalisation of students Learning Portal Exposure to Technology Varied Methods of Learning

Demonstration Demo of Prototype Personalised Learning System…..

Summary Preparing Students Technology teaching Library Customised Learning Environments Time to take E-Learning back

Questions?