Abstract
e-Learning is ubiquitous. The virtual learning environment (VLE) is the mainstay of UK universities e-learning provision. However, its’ deployment is often standardised and pedestrian; typically resources are made more available to the learner without necessarily adding value to the learning. Many contemporary theorists in e-learning advocate learning environments developed using social network technologies and Web 2.0 tools, to encourage learners to customise and personalise their learning environment. A key tenet of any social network is communication. Learners, as ‘digital natives’, routinely use social networks to communicate with friends and family. To harness and exploit the communication and collaborative qualities of a social network, a university SLE prototype was developed and is evaluated in this chapter. Learners become active participants in the learning process. They access public internet content to practice independent information-search and -discernment skills, which they can share with others, breaking through the ‘walled garden’ of the VLE.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Holmes, B., Gardner, J.: E-Learning: Concepts and Practice, p. 14. Sage Publications, London (2006)
O’Hear, S.: Seconds out, round two. Education Guardian, 15 Nov (online). Available at http://education.guardian.co.uk/elearning/story/0,10577,1642281,00.html (2005). Accessed 8~Jan 2011
Minocha, S.: Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) report, (2009) A study on the effective use of social software by further and higher education in the UK to support student learning and engagement (online). Available at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/projects/socialsoftware08.aspx (2009). Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Walton, A., Weller, M., Conole, G.: Social: learn – widening participation and sustainability of higher education. In: Proceedings of EDEN 2008: Annual Conference of the European Distance and E-Learning Network, Lisbon, Portugal, p. 1, June 2008
Thorpe, M., Edwards, R., Hanson, A. (eds.): Culture and Processes of Adult Learning. Routledge, London (1993)
Tomei, L.A.: Designing Instruction for the Traditional, Adult, and Distance Learner: A New Engine for Technology-Based Teaching. IGI Global, Hershey (2010)
Levy, cited Brine, A. (ed.): Handbook of Library Training Practice and Development, vol. 3. Ashgate Publishing Ltd, Farnham (2009)
Abadzi, H.: Efficient Learning for the Poor: Insights from the Frontier of Cognitive. World Bank Publications, Washington (2006)
Kern, D.E.: Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching. Wiley Publishing Inc., Hoboken (2006)
Baziukaite, D., Vaira, Z., Idzelyte, D.: A tool to support self-education in lifelong learning. In: Iskander, M. (ed.) Innovative Techniques in Instruction Technology, E-learning, E-assessment. Springer, New York (2008)
Blanco, A., Torrente, J., Moreno-Ger, P., Fernandez-Manjon, B.: Bridging the gap: adaptive games and student-centered VLEs. In: Spaniol, M., Li, Q., Klamma, R. (eds.) ‘Advances in Web Based Learning’, ICWL 2009: 8th International Conference Aachen, Germany, August 2009 Proceedings. Springer, Berlin (2009)
Fry, H., Ketteridge, S., Marshall, S.: A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Enhancing Academic Practice, 3rd edn, p. 87. Routledge, Abingdon (2009)
British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA): Virtual and managed learning environments, January (Online). Available at http://foi.becta.org.uk/download.cfm?resID=15963 (2003). Accessed 19 Feb 2010
Hart, J.: Building a social learning environment – for free or at low cost, part 1: using free, public social media tools. Inside Learning Technologies Magazine, October (online). Available at http://c4lpt.co.uk/articles/bsle1.html (2009). Accessed 25 Mar 2010
O’Leary, R.: Virtual learning environments. LTSN Generic Centre and ALT [Online]. Available at http://www.alt.ac.uk/docs/eln002.pdf (2002). Accessed 19 Feb 2010
Pole, R., Jones, K.: An evaluation of the effectiveness of e-learning in higher education: a case study of a computing department. In: Recent Advances in Computing and Management Information Systems, pp. 365–374. ATINER, Greece (2009)
Jones, cited in de Cássia Veiga Marriott, R., Torres, P.L.: Handbook of Research on E-Learning Methodologies for Language Acquisition. IGI Global, Hershey (2009)
Woodill, G.: Elements for constructing social learning environments. Workplace Learning Today, Brandon Hall Research (online). Available at http://www.brandon-hall.com/workplacelearningtoday/?p=9692 (2010). Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Horton, W.: E-Learning by Design, p. 1. Pfeiffer, San Francisco (2006)
Bullen, M., Janes, D.P.: Making the Transition to E-learning: Strategies and Issues, p. 176. Information Science Publishing, London (2007)
Mann, B.L.: Selected Styles in Web-Based Educational Research, p. 19. Information Science Publishing, London (2006)
Stockley, D.: E-learning definition and explanation (online). Available from: http://derekstockley.com.au/elearning-definition.html (2006). Accessed 10 Nov 2010
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC): e-learning (online). Available from: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/themes/elearning.aspx (2010). Accessed 22 Sept 2010
Siemens, G.: The role of e-learning (online). Available at http://www.elearnspace.org/blog/archives/000623.html (2003). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Salmon, G.: Reclaiming the territory for the natives, online learning: exploiting technology for training, p. 4 (online). Available at http://www.atimod.com/research/presentations2002.shtml (1999). Accessed 14 Dec 2010
Aswathappa, K.: Human Resource and Personnel Management: Text and Cases. Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi (2005)
Zhang, D., Zhao, J.L., Zhou, L., Nunamaker Jr., J.F.: Can e-learning replace classroom learning? Commun. ACM 47(5), 75–79 (2004)
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC): Briefing paper 1: MLEs and VLEs explained, March 31, (online). Available at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/buildmlehefe/lifelonglearning/mlebriefingpack/1 (2009). Accessed 15 Jan 2010
El-Ghareeb, H.A.: E-learning and management information systems: universities need both. eLearn Magazine, ACM, Sept 29, (online). Available at http://elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=articles&article=96–1(2009). Accessed 19 Feb 2010
Higher Education Academy (HEA): Using the virtual learning environment, 30 June (online). Available at http://www.ukcle.ac.uk/resources/tlr/vles.html (2010). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Farmer, J., Tilton, J.: The use of virtual learning environment software in UK Universities 2001–2005. Industrial Media and Magic Inc Technical Briefs, 16 June (online). Available at http://www.immagic.com/eLibrary/ARCHIVES/GENERAL/IMM/I060616F.pdf (2006). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Toole, A.M.: Globalised learning: are institutions facing an educational tsunami? In: Proceedings of the ALT-C: Rethinking the Digital Divide, Leeds, 9–11 Sept 2008 (2009)
Lockyer, L., Bennett, S., Agostinho, S., Harper, B.: Handbook of Research on Learning Design and Learning Objects: Issues, Applications and Technologies. IGI Global, London (2008)
van der Klink, Jachems (2003) in O’Donoghue, J.: Technology Supported Learning and Teaching: A Staff Perspective p. 38. Information Science Publishing, London (2006)
Prensky, M.: Digital natives, digital immigrants. On Horiz., MCB University Press, 9(5), (2001) (online). Available at http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/prensky%20-%20digital%20natives,%20digital%20immigrants%20- %20part1.pdf Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Armstrong, J., Franklin, T.: A review of current and developing international practice in the use of social networking (Web 2.0) in higher education, a report commissioned by the committee of enquiry into the changing learner experience (online). Available at http://www.franklin-consulting.co.uk/ (2008). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) Report, Crook, C., Cummings, J., Fisher, T., Graber, R., Harrison, C., Lewin, C., Logan, K., Luckin, R., Oliver, M., Sharples, M.: Web 2.0 technologies for learning: the current landscape – opportunities, challenges and tensions (online). Available at http://partners.becta.org.uk/uploaddir/downloads/page_documents/research/web2_technologies_learning.pdf (2008). Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Kamel Boulos, M.N., Wheeler, S.: The emerging web 2.0 social software: an enabling suite of sociable technologies in health and health care education. Health Inf. Libr. J. 24(1), 2–23 (2007)
Wenger, E.: Communities of practice (online). Available at http://www.ewenger.com/theory/ (2006). Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Downes, S.: Learning networks in practice. In: British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA), 2007. Emerging Technologies for Learning, vol. 2 (online). Available at http://partners.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/emerging_technologies07_chapter2.pdf (2007). Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Mejias U.: Teaching social software with social software. Innovate: J. Online Educ. 2(5), (2006) (online). Available at http://innovateonline.info/pdf/vol2_issue5/Teaching_Social_Software_with_Social_Software.pdf. Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Siemens, G: Connectivism: a learning theory for the digital age. Elearnspace everything elearning, Dec 12 (online). Available at http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm (2004). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Dalsgaard, C.: Social software: e-learning beyond learning management systems. Eur. J. Open Distance E-Learning (2006) (online). Available at http://www.eurodl.org/materials/contrib/2006/Christian_Dalsgaard.htm (2006). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Walton, A., Weller, M., Conole, G.: Social: learn – widening participation and sustainability of higher education. In: Proceedings of. EDEN 2008: Annual Conference of the European Distance and E-Learning Network, Lisbon, Portugal, June 2008
Toole, T.: Education through ubiquitous technologies and online resources (eTutor): JISC project final report, pp. 7–8 (online). Available at http://reports.jiscemerge.org.uk/…/18-eTutor-Education-Through-Ubiquitous-Technologies-and-On-line-Resources.html(2009). Accessed 7 Jan 2011
Atkins, D.E., Brown, J.S., Hammond, A.L.: A review of the open educational resources (OER) movement: achievements, challenges, and new opportunities, Feb (online). Available at http://learn.creativecommons.org/wpcontent/uploads/2008/03/areviewoftheopeneducationalresourcesoermovement_bloglink.pdf (2007). Accessed 7 Jan 2011
Waters, J.K.: Web 2.0 event draws the bleeding-edge cloud crowd. Application development trends, 29 April (online). Available at http://adtmag.com/articles/2008/04/29/web-20-event-draws-the-bleedingedge-cloud-crowd.aspx (2008). Accessed 7 Jan 2011
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC): Enhancing learner progression through personalised learning environments: final report (online). Available at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/elearningcapital/xinstit1/elp2.aspx. Accessed 8 Jan 2011
Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC): eTutor – education through ubiquitous technologies and on-line resources (online). Available at http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/programmes/usersandinnovation/etutor.aspx. Accessed 7 Jan 2011
Google for Educators: (online). Available at http://www.google.com/educators/index.html (2011). Accessed 7 Jan 2011
Piaget, J.: To Understand Is to Invent. The Viking Press, Inc., New York (1972)
Bruner, J.S.: The act of discovery. Harv. Educ. Rev. 31(1), 21–32 (1961)
Papert, S.: Computer-based microworlds as incubators for powerful ideas. In: Taylor, R. (ed.) The Computer in the School: Tutor, Tool, Tutee, pp. 203–210. Teacher’s College Press, New York (1980)
Mayer, R.: Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning? The case for guided methods of instruction. Am. Psychol. 59(1), 14–19 (2004)
Weller, M.: VLE 2.0 and future directions in learning environments. In: Philip, R., Voerman, A., Dalziel, J. (eds.) Proceedings of the First International LAMS Conference 2006: Designing the Future of Learning, Sydney, 6–8 Dec 2006: LAMS Foundation, pp. 99–106 (online). Available http://lamsfoundation.org/lams2006/pdfs/Weller_Lams06.pdf (2006). Accessed 18 Feb 2010
Chatti cited in Syvänen, A., Muukkonen, J., Sihvonen, M.: Are the open issues of social software-based personal learning environment practices being addressed? In: Proceedings of the 13th International MindTrek Conference: Everyday Life in the Ubiquitous Era, pp. 142–148 (2009)
Pole, R., Hole, S., Jones, K., Williams, J., Toole, T.: eDiscovery learning: an evaluation of web 2.0 technology to enhance learning. In: Proceedings for the ‘e’Teaching and Learning Workshop 2010, Higher Education Academy Subject Network for Information and Computer Sciences (HEA-ICS), University of Greenwich, London (2010)
JISC, Williams, J.: eTutor project pilot evaluation report: a free, easy and effective web 2.0 solution for discovery e-learning, 13 March (online). Available at http://etutor.pbworks.com/w/page/6146602/Evaluation%20and%20Reporting (2009). Accessed 9 Jan 2011
Netmarketshare: Search engine market share (online). Available at http://marketshare.hitslink.com/search-engine-market-share.aspx?qprid=4# (2010). Accessed 27 Oct 2010
Liccardi, I., Ounnas, A., Pau, R., Massey, E., Kinnunen, P., Lewthwaite, S., Midy, M., Sarkar, C.: The role of social networks in students’ learning experiences. In: Proceedings of ITiCSE-WGR’07 Working Group Reports on Iticse on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (online). Available at http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1345442 (2007). Accessed 10 Jan 2011
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag London
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Jones, K., Pole, R., Hole, S., Williams, J. (2012). Social Networks for Learning: Breaking Through the Walled Garden of the VLE. In: Abraham, A., Hassanien, AE. (eds) Computational Social Networks. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4048-1_17
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4048-1_17
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4047-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4048-1
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)