Thursday 20 August 2009

Findings on the impact of Web 2.0 on learning

Becta has recently published findings on the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on learning. The research was carried out on their behalf by Nottingham University and surveyed 2,600 students aged 11-16 in 27 schools.
The findings recognise that development in this area is still at an early stage however they are cautiuosly positive.
In particular it was found that "there is a positive impact on motivation and engagement through involving students in participatory learning". However a number of barriers were identified that inhibited the use of Web 2.0 in schools. These included the tension between the collaborative nature of Web 2.0 and the current assessment system as well as teachers' lack of skills and practices with the technology.
The report concluded that teachers should be encouraged to make more use of the technology and that they should have the opportunity to develop skills and practices in a variety of Web 2.0 tools.
Becta Report

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