ICT in Education/Change Projects/2015A Using Web 2.0 technologies to enhance learning

Change Agent: Mohammad Nure Alam Siddique

Email: siddique.mna@gmail.com

Name of the organization: Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka

Title of the change project:Using Web 2.0 technologies to enhance learning

Country: Bangladesh

Started date: 14 April 2015

Last Updated on:

1. Background: new ways of learning

In line with the worldwide trend, the Government of Bangladesh also places due emphasis on application ICT in higher education with an aim of “creating an ICT-friendly learning environment to ensure quality higher education and build up a knowledge-based society to face the challenges of the 21st century” (Ministry of Education, 2013, p. 18). The internet have changed mankind and human society by influencing interpersonal and intra-personal skills, individuals’ learning and knowledge development (Cartelli, 2011). Students entering higher education institutions now-a-days live in an environment where information and communication technology (ICT) is part of their everyday life which has opened unprecedented opportunities of social interaction and peer- construction of knowledge (SIMÕES & BORGES GOUVEIA, 2008). Among the use of ICTs, use of Web 2.0 technologies is now high and pervasive among higher education students around the world. Then, e-learning using Web 2.0 offers “the sense of being a contributing member of a learning community” (Committee of Inquiry into the Changing Learner Experience, 2009, p. 8) specially for part-time and working students. Web 2.0 is also suited for a richer and active learning activities that are undertaken within a community, based on students’ interests and driven by process rather than content which help students become self-directed and independent learners (Committee of Inquiry into the Changing Learner Experience, 2009). Along with developing learning skills, the processes of learning using Web 2.0 technologies develop 21st-century employability skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership and ICT proficiency. Web 2.0 tools also offer characteristics like participation in shared goals of learning through shared resources that are consistent with a range of contemporary pedagogical approaches specially socio-cultural theory, social constructivsm and community of practice (Conole & Alevizou, 2010).

Incorporating web 2.0 in higher education is really important considering the context of Bangladesh. Though the Government of Bangladesh has set up policy for creating an ‘ICT-friendly learning environment’ in higher education, public funded universities are lack funds to provide students and teachers with the opportunity of sharing and interaction using platforms like Blackboard. On the other hand students are increasingly using social networks like ‘Facebook’ and blogs. Thus we can take the opportunity to utilize students’ practice and skills of interaction using Web 2.0 technologies for their learning. My Institute, the Institute of Eductaion and Research are part of a public funded university and many of our students are part-time and working; therefore, application of Web 2.0 technologies has a great potential here. To implement any innovation that is being suggested and practiced elsewehere, we need to try it in our context. Therefore, this project aimed to pilot the application of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning. I hope a successful piloting will lead other higher education institutes to follow suite.

2. Objectives • To understand the contribution of web 2.0 technologies in pedagogical practice at higher level institutions in Bangladesh context • To identify and apply appropriate pedagogical strategies in applying web 2.0 technologies in teaching learning considering challenges • To encourage academics of my institute and other higher education institute in Bangladesh in adapting web 2.0 technologies in their practice of teaching and learning.

3. Target group of the pilot project/stakeholders: Academics and students of my institute

4. Scope of the Project: 5. Activities: The pilot project will have series of activities including the following:

a Workshops with my interested colleagues on- how to use Facebook and blogs in teaching-learning, how to keep journals of their experience. b Workshop with selected students who will keep journal of their experiences c Working with my colleagues to devise strategies for addressing the issue emerged and modifying pedagogical strategies d Collection of journals from teachers and students at the end of the semester, analyse them and make recommendations for further implementation including change in curriculum.

6. Expected final results: The expected results of this pilot project are: • We will identify the appropriate pedagogical strategies , challenges and impact of applying web 2.0 technologies in teaching-learning at higher level institutions in Bangladesh context • We will be able to create a network of enthusiastic professionals in home and abroad that will take the lead for adapting application of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning.

7. The Project organization