The impact of the interactivity of web 2.0 technologies on the learning experience of students in higher education

Abstract

The use of Web 2.0 technologies in the field of learning is on the rise, yet there have been a limited number of studies of the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on learning. By their nature, Web 2.0 technologies increase the interactivity between users. Interactivity is considered to be a key to success in traditional classrooms. The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether the interactivity of Web 2.0 technologies has an impact on the learning experience of students. The thesis investigated the use of Web Polls to provide interactivity inside the classroom and the use of Twitter to provide interactivity outside the classroom. Four studies were conducted, two involving Web Polls and two involving Twitter. Mixtures of methods such as qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed in the studies in order to triangulate the data, and the data from participants were collected via questionnaires and interviews. The primary purpose of employing triangulation techniques is to have more explanation and more understanding of the student behaviour from different points of view. The responses to the four studies revealed that the use of interactivity of Web 2.0 technologies were more positive than neutral about the learning experience of students. Across these field studies, the interactivity inside the classroom had a greater effect on the learning experience of students. Overall, the research revealed that the perception of using interactivity of Web 2.0 technologies inside and outside the classroom was more positive than neutral about the credibility of the instructor, the engagement, the communication by students, and the motivation of students, and results in a positive attitude to the use of Web 2.0 for learning. The thesis suggests that the adoption of interactivity of Web 2.0 technologies has the potential to support learning in higher education.