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Summary This contribution presents and evaluates a new learning environment model based on Web 2.0 applications. We assume that the technological change introduced by Web 2.0 tools has also caused a cultural change in terms of dealing with types of communication, knowledge and learning. The answers given by eLearning scholars who intend to use the creative options offered by Web 2.0 in institutional learning are summarised in the first part of the paper. In this theoretical overview we introduce the concepts of eLearning 2.0 and Personal Learning Environments, along with their main aspects of autonomy, creativity and networking, and relate them to the didactics of constructivism and connectivism. The requirements and basic functional components for the development of our particular Web 2.0 learning environment are derived from these. The learning environment we present consists of several components (modules) that are well-known Web 2.0 applications such as wikis, weblogs, social bookmarking services and RSS feeds. The section describing the implementation of the environment in a use case at the Darmstadt University of Applied Science focuses on the specific didactic contribution the particular learning modules render towards the entire learning arrangement. The article explains the didactic potential of the wiki platform in more detail, since it serves as the integrating module (or learning centre) of the learning arrangement. Our learning environment was tested and evaluated during the "Social Software" seminar held in the information science study course at Darmstadt University of Applied Science in 2007/08. A questionnaire-based survey reveals interesting facts regarding the success of the practical implementation of the Web 2.0 arrangement with respect to the motivation and learning outcome of students. The survey was supplemented with some non-formalized feedback in a concluding discussion. With these results in mind this paper finally provides some remark

This toolkit provides you with a step-by-step guide for teachers and parents to bring self-organized learning environments for your children at home, school or at after school programs.

Can a teacher use the same teaching techniques in a face-to-face and an online course? According to a study conducted by Park, Johnson, Vath, Kubitskey, & Fishman (2013) on Examining the Roles of the Facilitator in Online and Face-to-Face Professional Development Contexts (Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 21(2), 225-245), teachers need to cater to individual learners more online than face-to-face. In the face-to-face environments, students learn from each other and from the teacher. In the face-to-face class, the teacher is able to summarize the information for the students and get feedback from the students body language on how well they understood the information. In the online class, the teacher only knows whether the students understood or not from their writing. Teaching online requires that the teacher be very attentive and aware of the student's individual interests, needs, and level of understanding.

Learn what technological support for authentic learning environments commonly includes.

"PLN (Personal Learning Networks) have grown in prominence and importance tremendously over the last few years and with good reason. They are a great way to extend your professional network beyond your physical environment and tap into a huge wealth of knowledge about your profession. This makes them one of the most effective autonomous means of developing your own teaching in a way that is most immediate and relevant to your ambitions."

Great ways to commence or continue envisioning blended learning environments

Svinicki posits what learning means, and the kinds of guided feedback necessary, especially for "deep learning . . . [through] interaction with others as we grapple with what we think we know versus what we really know" (¶8).

Consumption

Learn/Facilitate an online workshop on how to facilitate ESOL online using synchronous and asynchronous learning environments.

Earthwatch Institute is an international non-profit organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering volunteers the opportunity to join research teams around the world.

1. Michael Wesch, "A Vision of Students Today (and what Teachers Must Do)," Encyclopedia Britannica blog, Oct. 21, 2008, http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2008/10/a-vision-of-students-today-what-teachers-must-do/ [return to text]