The midden

This week has seen an interesting JISC-sponsored online seminar (webinar!) looking at the use and impact of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning in HE. It has been co-hosted by Tom Franklin and Mark van Harmelen, with contributions from a range of key people.

Topics covered were:

• Current Practice in the use of Web 2.0 for Content Sharing in Learning and Teaching

Presentations by Stan Stanier and Terry Wassall

• Issues around Web 2.0 based Content Sharing

Presentations by Brian Kelly and Graham Atwell

• Web 2.0 and Teaching and Learning

Presentations by Tom Franklin and Mark van Harmelen

• Policy Issues Relating to the use of Web 2.0 for Content Sharing in Learning and Teaching

Presentations by David White and Chris Adie

For each topic a briefing paper was produced which provided background information and helped focus discussions.

The briefing papers are available here and are worth a read:

Introduction to Web 2.0

Content Sharing

Learning and Teaching

Institutional practice

For me, the main things the presentations and discussions highlighted were:

The feeling that the Web 2.0 technologies have already had an impact on teaching and learning both at the individual lecturer and student level, but also at the institutional level. The change has already taken place, though not everyone, and certainly not most institutions, realise this. Stan Stanier talked about lecturers “not getting it”, meaning that they are either not aware of the technology or don’t understand how to use it. The encouraging thing is that once they do understand it and see a use for it they then take it on board. Terry Wassall talked about developing “a network of users” as an effective way of spreading the use of new technologies (Elgg in his case) through an institution. Will teaching and learning change as a result of Web 2.0 technologies was a question raised by Tom Franklin in his presentation. He suggested that one impact of Web 2.0 could be the move from the “wisdom of the expert” to the “wisdom of the crowd”, implying that this may not be a good thing. I’m not sure I agree with that - we perhaps just need to be a little more cautious when it comes to accepting the latter.

The dilemma facing institutions in coming to terms with the impact of Web 2.0 was also brought home to me as a result of the presentations and discussions this week. The complexity of the situation they find or will find themselves in is quite significant, and Chris Adie highlighted many of the issues in his presentation. While I don’t give much thought to issues such as IPR, ownership, accessibility 3rd party services and security, I now appreciate better how institutions can’t ignore these issues. I’m glad it’s their problem and not mine!

The final point that was evident from the discussions and presentations and highlighted by Brian Kelly, is that Web 2.0 is providing a solution and new opportunities, and that it is important for institutions to manage rather than avoid this technology.