Using Web2.0 technology in work based learning

Although Web2.0 technologies are increasingly used in supporting learning and teaching in higher education, Work-based Learning is yet to achieve anticipated value from such technologies. Work Based Learning offers learning opportunities for professional practitioners; requiring special settings that link the learner, the university and the organization. Web2.0 is envisaged to provide suitable settings for Work Based Learning because it enables the creation of social environments, empowered by tools and technologies that facilitate learning, networking and collaboration among various stakeholders. This paper reports on the evaluation of a Web2.0 platform in supporting learning and teaching in a Work Based Learning environment.
Middlesex University’s School of Arts and Education launched a work based learning programme to allow professional practitioners to achieve an undergraduate qualification supported by a Web2.0- based platform for learning, networking and collaboration. The school launched the project reported in this paper to evaluate the impact of using the platform from three aspects: learning experiences, pedagogy and technology. In the first, we investigated how the platform impacted students’ learning experiences and how learning experiences could be improved using Web2.0. In the second, we examined how successful the platform was in supporting the programme’s learning outcomes, and how support for learning outcomes could be improved using Web2.0. In the third, we explored how successful the platform was in using Web2.0 technologies to support learning and teaching, and what other Web2.0 technologies could be used to improve the learning platform.
The paper makes both practical and theoretical contributions. For practitioners it presents insights into designing and supporting Work Based Learning programmes and supporting teaching and learning using Web2.0 technologies. The unique capabilities and needs of individual professional practitioners studying through Work-based Learning programmes require a review of pedagogic strategy in light of the potential of Web2.0 technologies. The evaluation equally addresses a gap in the literature for empirical research into the use of Web2.0 technologies in supporting learning, networking and collaboration to facilitate Work Based Learning.