Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Providing collaborative learning support with social media in an integrated environment

  • Published:
World Wide Web Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

During the last few years, social media technologies have started to be used for collaborative learning. While most of the case studies reported so far involve a single social media tool or several individual, separate tools, in this paper we advocate the use of an integrated social learning environment, which aggregates several Web 2.0 tools (wiki, blog, microblogging tool, social bookmarking tool, media sharing tools). The platform, called eMUSE, occupies a well defined niche in the landscape of Web 2.0-enhanced learning spaces, providing value-added services for both students and teachers: learner tracking functionality, monitoring and visualization features, grading and evaluation support. A comprehensive rationale underlying eMUSE, a description of the platform architecture and functionalities, as well as an experimental validation in a project-based learning context are provided in the paper.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ardaiz-Villanueva, O., Nicuesa-Chacn, X., Brene-Artazcoz, O., Sanz de Acedo Lizarraga, M.L., Sanz de Acedo Baquedano, M.T.: Evaluation of computer tools for idea generation and team formation in project-based learning. Comput Educ 56(3), 700–711 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Beemer, B., Gregg, D.: Mashups: a literature review and classification framework. Future Internet 1(1), 59–87 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Bisgin, H., Agarwal, N., Xu, X.: A study of homophily on social media. World Wide Web, Springer Netherlands, 15, 213–232 (2012)

  4. Boss, S., Krauss, J.: Reinventing project-based learning: Your field guide to real-world projects in the digital age. Int. Soc. Technol. Educ. (2008)

  5. Chatti, M.A., Agustiawan, M.R., Jarke, M., Specht, M.: Toward a personal learning environment framework. Int. J. Virtual Pers. Learn. Environ. 1(4), 66–85 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Cheong, C., Tandon, R., Cheong, F.: A project-based learning internship for IT undergraduates with social support from a social networking site. In: Proc. ISECON 2010, v27 n1389 (2010)

  7. Conole, G., Alevizou, P.: A literature review of the use of Web 2.0 tools in higher education. Technical report, The Open University, UK. Available at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/EvidenceNet/Conole_Alevizou_2010.pdf (2010)

  8. Dillenbourg, P.: What do you mean by collaborative learning. In: Collaborative learning: Cognitive and computational approaches. Oxford, UK: Elsevier, pp. 1–19 (1999)

  9. Dillenbourg, P., Järvelä, S., Fischer, F.: The evolution of research on computer-supported collaborative learning. From design to orchestration. In: Technology-Enhanced Learning. Principles and products, Part I, Springer, pp. 3–19 (2009)

  10. Drachsler, H., Pecceu, D., Arts, T., Hutten, E., Rutledge, L., Van Rosmalen, P. et al.: ReMashed-recommendations for mash-up personal learning environments. In: Proc. EC-TEL 2009. LNCS, vol. 5794, pp. 788–793. Springer, Heidelberg (2009)

  11. EduTechWiki: Project-based learning. Available at: http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Project-based_learning (last accessed on Feb. 16, 2012)

  12. Elgg - Open source network engine, http://www.elgg.org (last accessed on Feb. 16, 2012)

  13. Finkelstein, S.L., Powell, E., Hicks, A., Doran, K., Charugulla, S.R., Barnes, T.: SNAG: using social networking games to increase student retention in computer science. In: Proc. ITiCSE 2010, ACM, New York, NY, pp. 142–146 (2010)

  14. Ford, N., Bowden, M., Beard, J.: Learning together: using social media to foster collaboration in higher education. In: Higher Education Administration with Social Media (Cutting-edge Technologies in Higher Education, Volume 2), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp. 105–126 (2011)

  15. Goktas, Y., Demirel, T.: Blog-enhanced ICT courses: Examining their effects on prospective teachers’ ICT competencies and perceptions. Comput Educ 58, 908–917 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Grippa, F., Secundo, G.: Web 2.0 project-based learning in higher education – some preliminary evidence. Int. J. Web Based Communities 5(4), 543–561 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Grodecka, K., Wild, F., Kieslinger, B.: How to use social software in higher education. iCamp Handbook. Available at: http://www.icamp.eu/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/icamp-handbookweb.pdf (2009)

  18. Hain, S., Back, A.: Personal learning journal - course design for using weblogs in higher education. Electron. J. e Learn. 6(3), 189–196 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Hemmi, A., Bayne, S., Land, R.: The appropriation and repurposing of social technologies in higher education. J. Comput. Assist. Learning 25(1), 19–30 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Herder, E., Marenzi, I.: Trends in connecting learners. First Research & Technology Scouting Report. STELLAR project deliverable. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/1820/2824 (2010)

  21. Homola, M., Kubincova, Z.: Taking Advantage of Web 2.0 in Organized Education (A Survey). In: Proc. ICL 2009, pp. 741–752 (2009)

  22. Johnson, L., Smith, R., Willis, H., Levine, A., Haywood, K.: The 2011 Horizon Report. The New Media Consortium, Austin, Texas (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  23. JS Charts 3.0, available at: http://www.jscharts.com/ (last accessed on Feb. 10, 2012)

  24. Junco, R., Heiberger, G., Loken, E.: The effect of twitter on college student engagement and grades. J Comput Assist Learn 27(2), 119–132 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Kim, P., Hong, J.S., Bonk, C., Lim, G.: Effects of group reflection variations in project-based learning integrated in a Web 2.0 learning space. Interact Learn Environ 19(4), 333–349 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. LaRue, E.M.: Using facebook as course management software: a case study. Teach Learn Nurs 7, 17–22 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Li, N., El Helou, S., Gillet, D.: Using social media for collaborative learning in higher education: a case study. In: Proc. ACHI 2012, pp. 285–290 (2012)

  28. Li, Q., Lau, R.W.H., Shih, T.K., Li, F.W.B.: Technology supports for distributed and collaborative learning over the internet. ACM Trans Internet Technol 8(2), 10 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Musial, K., Kazienko, P.: Social networks on the Internet. World Wide Web, Springer Netherlands, 1–42 (2012)

  30. Ort, E., Brydon, S., Basler, M.: Mashup Styles. Available at: http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/J2EE/mashup_1 (2007)

  31. Popescu, E.: Students’ Acceptance of Web 2.0 Technologies in Higher Education: Findings from a Survey in a Romanian University. In: Proc. DEXA 2010 Workshops, pp. 92–96 (2010)

  32. Popescu, E., Manafu, L.: Repurposing a wiki for collaborative learning – pedagogical and technical view. In: Proc. ICSTCC 2011, pp. 452–457 (2011)

  33. Saeed, N., Yang, Y., Sinnappan, S.: Emerging web technologies in higher education: A case of incorporating blogs, podcasts and social bookmarks in a web programming course based on students’ learning styles and technology preferences. Educ Technol Soc 12(4), 98–109 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Savery, J.R., Duffy, T.M.: Problem-based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Educ Technol 35, 31–38 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Sclater, N.: Web 2.0, Personal learning environments, and the future of learning management systems. Educause Research Bulletin 13 (2008)

  36. Smith, B.L., MacGregor, J.T.: What is collaborative learning? In: Collaborative Learning: A Sourcebook for Higher Education. National Center on Postsecondary Teaching, Learning, & Assessment, Syracuse University (1992)

  37. Trentin, G.: Using a wiki to evaluate individual contribution to a collaborative learning project. J Comput Assist Learn 25(1), 43–55 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Tsai, W.T., Li, W., Elston, J., Chen, Y.: Collaborative learning using wiki web sites for computer science undergraduate education: a case study. IEEE Trans Educ 54(1), 114–124 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Vassileva, J.: Toward social learning environments. IEEE Trans. Learn. Technol 1(4), 199–214 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Vygotsky, L.S.: Mind in Society. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Wild, F.: Mash-Up Personal Learning Environments. iCamp project deliverable. Available at: http://www.icamp.eu/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/d34_icamp_final.pdf (2009)

  42. Wilson, T., Ferreira, G.M.S.: Using open educational resources and Web 2.0 tools to support ethical reasoning in information and computer sciences project-based learning. The Higher Education Academy (2010)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Computers and Information Technology Department, University of Craiova, A. I. Cuza 13, 200585, Craiova, Romania

    Elvira Popescu

Authors
  1. Elvira Popescu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elvira Popescu.

Additional information

This is a substantially extended and revised version of the paper: eMUSE - Integrating Web 2.0 tools in a social learning environment, Proc. ICWL 2011, LNCS, vol. 7048, pp. 41-50, Springer, 2011.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Popescu, E. Providing collaborative learning support with social media in an integrated environment. World Wide Web 17, 199–212 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11280-012-0172-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11280-012-0172-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation