Use of Web 2.0 Technologies to Enhance Learning Experiences in Alternative School Settings

Abstract

As the learning paradigms are shifting to include various forms of digital technologies such as synchronous, asynchronous, and interactive methods, social networking technologies have been introduced to the educational settings in order to increase the quality of learning environments. The literature suggests that effective application of these technologies in education can provide a means of addressing the lack of uptake and sharing of learning and teaching ideas and designs. This study investigated the effects of integrating social networking technologies on students’ interaction, motivation, and engagement in an alternative learning school environment. Twenty-two 10th to 12th graders in an alternative school were recruited from their environmental science class to participate in this study. An online learning environment was designed to assist in-class instruction to promote student learning and engagement around the topic of climate change. Students’ reflections that emerged from their interactions and posts on the social network indicated the relationship between the use of social networks and student motivation and engagement.