Abstract:

A wide variety of online mechanisms now exist to facilitate learning. Whilst much research has looked at various aspects of these tools, little research has focused upon how these tools interact and what the pedagogic value of them is. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact of wikis, blogs and discussion forums on teaching and learning in order to determine the factors that might be inhibiting a realisation of their potential. The survey data suggests that discussion forums are used a lot more in teaching and learning than existing literature suggest; additionally tutors and students use more than one tool for their teaching and learning, and overall students and tutors have a very positive view of their uses in teaching and learning. The results show that there is a lack of tutorial support for both teachers and students: over half of the student population and over three quarters of the tutor population state that they have not received any training on the technical and pedagogical uses and understanding of literacy tools because there is no training available, or that there is training available but they have not been made aware of such training. More work needs to be completed assessing the suitability and effectiveness of existing student and tutor tutorials, integrating tutorial support for tutors within formal teaching and professional development programs, and to monitor the effectiveness of all tutorials to ensure that they are technically and pedagogically appropriate.

Keywords:

Wikis, blogs, discussion forums, online learning.