Title: Designing a web-based learning environment using weblogs and podcasts

Authors: Sharifah Salam, Qiyun Wang

Addresses: Instructional Design and Technology, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore. ' Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616, Singapore

Abstract: The emergence of Web 2.0 provides newfound opportunities for educators to develop innovative online resources for collaboration in the educational field. There is a basket of web applications available in the market today to enhance learning in a virtual community. Educators have to adopt a more structured approach in designing web-based learning environments for their curriculum. This article provides an example of how a generic model comprising of pedagogical, social and technological design is applied as guiding principles in developing a web-based learning environment which integrates the weblog and podcast technologies to facilitate thinking aloud, self-reflections and online discussions. The results showed that the learning environment was enjoyable and the majority of the students liked to use it. The peer review exercise provided in the learning environment was useful and the students were willing to share ideas and make comments. In addition, the environment was easy to access and it promoted anytime anywhere learning.

Keywords: blogs; weblogs; pedagogical design; podcasts; social design; technological design; thinking aloud; web-based learning; e-learning; online learning; electronic learning; self-reflection; online discussions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2009.025026

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2009 Vol.19 No.2/3, pp.179 - 190

Published online: 10 May 2009 *

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