collaborative web search with learnweb2.0

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Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0

Results of pilots at the eLearning Department of the University of Hannover

Miriam Lerch19th November 2009

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Research partner

elsa = E-Learning Service Department of the University of Hannover

Provides extensive support and advice for the deployment of new technology and media in the learning practice

Partners include the Architektenkammer Niedersachsen and the International Association for Consulting Competence e.V.

Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009

elsa

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Introduction video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgSbt7GrszY&fmt=22


Introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgSbt7GrszY&fmt=22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgSbt7GrszY&fmt=22

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Evaluation Framework: seminar at the University of Hannover during the summer term 2009

Target group: 15 students of Bachelor Special Education + Technical Education

Period: 2 April – 12 July

Learning Scenario: Using the platform for collaborative web search for the preparation of group presentations


Study Setup

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Learning Scenario with LearnWeb2.0

global web

search

add Web 2.0 resources to

group

comment, tag, share

1 2 3

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Research questions

1. What skills in terms of using Web 2.0 technologies do the students already have?

2. Will the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?

3. How do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search – which functionalities are most heavily used?

4. Which prerequisites and competences are needed for collaborative self-directed learning with LearnWeb2.0?


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Evaluation approach

Descriptive, multi-faceted and explorative survey

Using different qualitative research methods (interviews) with enriching quantitative methods (questionnaire, logfile analysis)

Timeframe of the pilot: 2 April – 12 July 2009

Participants: 15 students, 3 teachers

Data: 5 group interviews (9 persons), 5 drop-outs, 3 teacher surveys, server logs


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Evaluation approach

Research methods:

1. Survey on Internet use

2. Group interviews (+ Logfile analysis)

3. Questionnaire for non-users

4. Teacher survey


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Timeframe of Evaluation


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LearnWeb2.0 can be characterized as groupware > category “collaborative systems”

supports collaboration during computer-aided group work

BUT: the support for communication and awareness has not yet fully been realized

possible impact on collaboration processes


System analysis of LearnWeb2.0

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Answers to the research questions

1. What skills in terms of using Web 2.0 technologies do the students have?

Very different previous experience in dealing with Web 2.0 software

Use of various Web 2.0 applications rather passive; active use is limited to participation in social networks

Skills and previous experience in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies (i.e. Social Tagging) are relatively limited


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2. Do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?

9 users, 5 non-users Participants used the platform at the beginning of

the evaluation period more than at the end especially during and immediately after the exercises in the seminar

Using the platform privately at home


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LearnWeb2.0 was used between two and ten times Lack of time was given as a reason

Students preferred to continue current practices

Search functionality was used primarily, commenting or rating to a lesser extent (1 - 4 times)

Additional search methods were used (e.g. Google)


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3. How do the students use LearnWeb2.0 for collaborative web search?

Used for searching and organizing media resources

Found media were used to enrich the presentations

Students also used texts and documents (offline and online) as background material

Not all found resources were judged to be usefulMiriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009

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Opportunities for collaboration were hardly used Communication about resources took place outside of the platform (offline)

Technical difficulties interfere with work and collaboration processes

Difficulties in navigation and operation of the system (usability)

Nonetheless: LearnWeb2.0 was perceived by most students as helpful for collaborative web search!


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4. Which prerequisites and competences are needed for collaborative self-directed learning with LearnWeb2.0?

Computer literacy and skills to deal with Web 2.0 technologies

Competences regarding collaboration and group-based work

Motivation


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Recommendations for future use

Users should have some previous experience and skills in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies

Thorough preparation (e.g. account creation) and sufficient time for getting used with the tools is needed

Teachers would like to have example learning arrangements

To improve search experience, the range of integrated Web 2.0 infrastructure should be as large as possible

e.g. link additional (locally popular) Web 2.0 services (Mister Wong, MyVideo, StudiVZ)Miriam Lerch, M.A. Collaborative web search with LearnWeb2.0 19th November 2009

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Recommendations for future use

Support functions related to collaboration and communication should be expanded

Resources should be applied to the learning context

certain resource types are more suitable than others (e.g. documents, videos)


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Conclusion

Students currently still have relatively limited skills in dealing with Web 2.0 technologies

The brief introduction and training period were not sufficient for introducing the students to Web 2.0 and the benefits of various technologies for collaborative web search

The innovative character of the platform turned out to be a challenge for the users

Concepts were highly appreciated Suitable scenarios for putting the platform into use should be developed


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Conclusion

The envisaged scenario of iterative tagging, commenting and rating was not used as expected

especially communication and collaboration support should be extended

Despite the technical difficulties encountered and despite limited online collaboration between students, the students judged LearnWeb2.0 as helpful for collaborative web search in preparation for group presentations

could imagine using the system in future


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Thank you for your attention!
