Social Software: E-Learning Beyond Learning Management Systems
Christian Dalsgaard [cnd@imv.au.dk]
Institute of Information and Media Studies
University of Aarhus
Helsingforsgade 14, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
[http://www.imv.au.dk]
English Abstract
The article argues that it is necessary to move e-learning beyond learning management systems and engage students in an active use of the web as a resource for their self-governed, problem-based and collaborative activities. The purpose of the article is to discuss the potential of social software to move e-learning beyond learning management systems. An approach to use of social software in support of a social constructivist approach to e-learning is presented, and it is argued that learning management systems do not support a social constructivist approach which emphasizes self-governed learning activities of students. The article suggests a limitation of the use of learning management systems to cover only administrative issues. Further, it is argued that students' self-governed learning processes are supported by providing students with personal tools and engaging them in different kinds of social networks.
Danish Abstract
Artiklen argumenterer for, at det er nødvendigt at bevæge e-læring ud over e-læringssystemer og i stedet involvere studerende i en aktiv anvendelse af internettet som en ressource for deres selvstyrede, problembaserede og kollaborative aktiviteter. Formålet med artiklen er at diskutere, hvordan 'social software' kan være medvirkende til at bevæge e-læring ud over e-læringssystemer. Ud fra en socialkonstruktivistisk tilgang præsenteres en tilgang til e-læring, og der argumenteres for at e-læringssystemer ikke understøtter en socialkonstruktivistisk tilgang, der lægger vægt på studerendes selvstyrede læringsaktiviteter. Artiklen forslår, at e-læringssystemer begrænses til kun at varetage administrative opgaver. Endvidere argumenteres der for, at studerendes selvstyrede læreprocesser understøttes ved at tilbyde studerende personlige værktøjer samt at involvere dem i forskellige former for sociale netværk.
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