Blended learning with everyday technologies to activate students’ collaborative learning

• Main Authors: Mikko Vesisenaho, Teemu Valtonen, Jari Kukkonen, Sari Havu-Nuutinen, Anu Hartikainen, Sirpa Kärkkäinen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: ICASE 2010-12-01
• Series: Science Education International
• Subjects: Collaborative learning; technology education; ICT; shared notes; wiki; blended learning; net generation.
• Online Access: http://www.icaseonline.net/sei/december2010/p4.pdf

Schools are facing challenges to meet the demands of the information society and the student generation of today. Not only are students carrying their mobile phones everywhere, they are also familiar with different online environments, especially social software. This situation can be seen both a challenge and a chance for schools, as mobile technologies and social software can be used as tools for building flexible learning environments to foster students’ collaborative learning. This paper examines the possibilities of mobile technologies and social software in the contexts of blended learning and collaborative learning theories. The paper also provides two concrete examples of how these possibilities have been put into practice in higher education, namely teacher education. It provides ideas for the use of mobile technologies and social software in teaching and learning.