Abstract:

Learning environments are increasingly digital. In many universitues most of the learning material can be accessed with computers, when and where it best suites to the learner. Contact with other learners and university staff has become virtual as students do not meet daily at the campus. In short, learning takes place in virtual environments. Interaction, discussion and argumentation have an important role in learning, also in digital learning environments. This is reality, especially during the ongoing pandemia.

In this paper we look at the technologies and systems that enable and empower learners in interaction and in learning process. This study is based on experiences and empirical notions which are from the use of learning platform at the university in online-courses. The role of social media applications as part of the learning environment is studied in a research project. The case consists of findings from several courses, that have had online-content and learning for several years. The number of students in the case courses are between 200-300, and the findings are based on questionnaires and interviews.

The study indicates that a robust learning platform is cornerstone of learning, especially when majority of teaching takes place in virtual environment. Having experience and confidence with technology and the environment is a critical element of successful education. Both teachers and learners need to have skills with technology and be able to work with different technologies and applications.

Keywords:

Keywords: information technology, learning, social media