This study investigated beliefs of members of an online Community of Practice (WIA) on the role of the community on professional development, teaching, and on Web 2.0 use. Through the analyses of the questionnaire, it was aimed at finding out the members&rsquo / ideas about the group as an online CoP and benefits of belonging to an online CoP. The data were collected from seventy nine members of the Webheads in Action from various countries by using an online questionnaire. Then, the responses to the multiple choice items were analyzed using PASSW. The data collected from the last section of the questionnairre were analyzed through content analysis and pattern coding. The findings revealed that the members believe that WIA plays an important role in the process of developing multiltiteracies skills and the Web 2.0 tools used in classroom teaching and for professional development. The findings also revealed that the participants believe that being a WIA member leads to motivation, collaboration and discovery. These beliefs are thought to provide insights about the advantages and disadvantages of learning in online CoPs and their effects on the members&rsquo / Web 2.0 use. The findings can also be beneficial for researchers, teacher trainers, and teachers wishing to join CoPs for professional development. They can understand the advantages and disadvantages, and the participation process in more detail. Moreover, these findings can indicate that online CoPs can provide a medium for coping with the increasing amount of information thanks to the recent technological developments, and acquiring new skills.

This study investigated beliefs of members of an online Community of Practice (WIA) on the role of the community on professional development, teaching, and on Web 2.0 use. Through the analyses of the questionnaire, it was aimed at finding out the members&rsquo / ideas about the group as an online CoP and benefits of belonging to an online CoP. The data were collected from seventy nine members of the Webheads in Action from various countries by using an online questionnaire. Then, the responses to the multiple choice items were analyzed using PASSW. The data collected from the last section of the questionnairre were analyzed through content analysis and pattern coding. The findings revealed that the members believe that WIA plays an important role in the process of developing multiltiteracies skills and the Web 2.0 tools used in classroom teaching and for professional development. The findings further revealed that the participants believe that being a WIA member leads to motivation, collaboration and discovery. These beliefs are thought to provide insights about the advantages and disadvantages of learning in online CoPs and their effects on the members&rsquo / Web 2.0 use. The findings can also be beneficial for researchers, teacher trainers, and teachers wishing to join CoPs for professional development. They can understand the advantages and disadvantages, and the participation process in more detail. Moreover, these findings can indicate that online CoPs can provide a medium for coping with the increasing amount of information thanks to the recent technological developments, and acquiring new skills.

Personalizuotos mokymosi aplinkos kūrimas parenkant besimokančiajam tinkamas internetines priemones yra sudėtingas ir aktualus šių dienų uždavinys. Dabartinis besimokantysis turėtų pats imtis iniciatyvos, būti atsakingas už mokymosi procesą, mokėti pasirinkti tinkamas mokymosi priemones, tačiau parama mokymosi metu irgi yra labai svarbi, nes abejotina, ar besimokančiojo savarankiškai pasirinktos priemonės padės įgyvendinti siekiamų mokymosi tikslų ir veiklų optimaliausiu būdu. Disertaciniame darbe išnagrinėti rekomendavimo sistemų ir jose naudojamų vartotojo profilių tipai, rekomendavimo būdai, šių sistemų taikymo galimybės personalizuotam mokymuisi, mokymosi proceso ir antrosios kartos saityno priemonių sąveika, pagrindinės savybės. Pateikiamas antrosios kartos saityno priemonių komponavimo mokymosi procese metodas parenkantis tam tikram besimokančiajam priemonę atsižvelgus į mokymosi tikslus, norimą įgyvendinti mokymosi veiklą, teikiamą pirmenybę mokymosi turiniui bei bendravimo formai. Nagrinėtoji dalykinė sritis aprašyta ontologijoje, o pasiūlyto metodo etapai įgyvendinti žiniomis grindžiamos rekomendavimo sistemos prototipe. Sukurtoji sistema rekomenduoja tam tikrą mokymosi stilių turinčiam besimokančiajam visas jos žinių bazėje esančias internetines priemones, kuriomis naudodamasis besimokantysis gali atlikti nurodytą mokymosi veiklą. Pasiūlytą metodą įvertino parinkti ekspertai – buvo įsitikinta metodo kokybe, t. y. tikslumu, tinkamumu ir našumu (laiko atžvilgiu)... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Although in practice and in many sources of literature the need for the application of Web 2.0 tools in education is highlighted, however there is lack of clear methods how these tools could be applied in learning for a higher learning quality, and there is a lack of e-learning systems that implement personalised Web 2.0 tools selection. In the work, personalised Web 2.0 tools selection method is presented. In the research, first of all, personalised e-learning technological peculiarities i.e. recommender systems applications for learning personalisation and those systems components were investigated. After that, selection methods for Web 2.0 tools suitable for implementing learning activities were analysed. The method of integrating Web 2.0 tools into personalised learning activities according to students learning styles was created (this method takes into account student’s learning preferences for content and communication modes tailored to the learning activities with a view to help the learner to quickly and accurately find the right educational tools) and prototype of the recommender system that implements the method proposed was developed. Finally, the expert evaluation of the developed system prototype that implements the method proposed was performed.

Although in practice and in many sources of literature the need for the application of Web 2.0 tools in education is highlighted, however there is lack of clear methods how these tools could be applied in learning for a higher learning quality, and there is a lack of e-learning systems that implement personalised Web 2.0 tools selection. In the work, personalised Web 2.0 tools selection method is presented. In the research, first of all, personalised e-learning technological peculiarities i.e. recommender systems applications for learning personalisation and those systems components were investigated. After that, selection methods for Web 2.0 tools suitable for implementing learning activities were analysed. The method of integrating Web 2.0 tools into personalised learning activities according to students learning styles was created (this method takes into account student’s learning preferences for content and communication modes tailored to the learning activities with a view to help the learner to quickly and accurately find the right educational tools) and prototype of the recommender system that implements the method proposed was developed. Finally, the expert evaluation of the developed system prototype that implements the method proposed was performed. / Personalizuotos mokymosi aplinkos kūrimas parenkant besimokančiajam tinkamas internetines priemones yra sudėtingas ir aktualus šių dienų uždavinys. Dabartinis besimokantysis turėtų pats imtis iniciatyvos, būti atsakingas už mokymosi procesą, mokėti pasirinkti tinkamas mokymosi priemones, tačiau parama mokymosi metu irgi yra labai svarbi, nes abejotina, ar besimokančiojo savarankiškai pasirinktos priemonės padės įgyvendinti siekiamų mokymosi tikslų ir veiklų optimaliausiu būdu. Disertaciniame darbe išnagrinėti rekomendavimo sistemų ir jose naudojamų vartotojo profilių tipai, rekomendavimo būdai, šių sistemų taikymo galimybės personalizuotam mokymuisi, mokymosi proceso ir antrosios kartos saityno priemonių sąveika, pagrindinės savybės. Pateikiamas antrosios kartos saityno priemonių komponavimo mokymosi procese metodas parenkantis tam tikram besimokančiajam priemonę atsižvelgus į mokymosi tikslus, norimą įgyvendinti mokymosi veiklą, teikiamą pirmenybę mokymosi turiniui bei bendravimo formai. Nagrinėtoji dalykinė sritis aprašyta ontologijoje, o pasiūlyto metodo etapai įgyvendinti žiniomis grindžiamos rekomendavimo sistemos prototipe. Sukurtoji sistema rekomenduoja tam tikrą mokymosi stilių turinčiam besimokančiajam visas jos žinių bazėje esančias internetines priemones, kuriomis naudodamasis besimokantysis gali atlikti nurodytą mokymosi veiklą. Pasiūlytą metodą įvertino parinkti ekspertai – buvo įsitikinta metodo kokybe, t. y. tikslumu, tinkamumu ir našumu (laiko atžvilgiu)... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Although some middle school teachers integrate social media platforms into instruction, they generally use traditional and teacher-centered strategies rather than those that are innovative and student-centered. A gap exists in the literature on how teachers could use social media tools such as Edmodo to engage middle school students for innovative online collaboration. This qualitative case study explored the factors that contributed to the acceptance and use of Edmodo by middle school teachers in a Mid-Atlantic urban school district. Specifically, the research explored how teachers leveraged Edmodo to initiate and sustain networked collaboration with their students. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model, sociocultural development theory, and connectivism supported the conceptual framework. A criterion selection process was used to select 6 middle school teachers as participants. Data sources included 6 semi structured interviews, a focus group of 3 educational technology leaders, and school district documents. Data were analyzed using a priori codes based on the literature review and conceptual framework. Themes that emerged from the analysis included the following: acceptance and use of Edmodo as a communication platform, increased support of students' organizational needs, enhancement of professional practice, initiation of networked collaboration, barriers and challenges in networked collaboration, and sustained networked collaboration. This research may contribute to positive social change by informing educational leaders and teachers on how to best leverage social media tools such as Edmodo in the middle school classroom to actively engage students in online collaboration, fostering a more student-centered learning environment.

INTRODUCTION While the concept is widely defined and interpreted, all Web 2.0 tools have certain characteristics in common; they are collaborative in nature, interactive, and dynamic. The Science and Engineering librarians at the University of British Columbia are collaborating with their liaison departments to record science and engineering podcasts, host them and share them with a wider audience. OBJECTIVES In this session, we discuss the use of podcasting as an outreach tool that connects a large academic science and engineering library with its users and raises users’ awareness of additional library services. Functionality, usability and practical applications of podcasting tools are reviewed. OUTCOMES At the end of this session, we will have demonstrated: 1) Overall usability of podcasting academic science and engineering content; tips and tricks when creating and tailoring podcasts to your community needs; 2) Use of podcasting as an outreach and community engagement tool in academic libraries and as a supplement for the traditional academic information resources. DISCUSSION The strength of podcasting, to allow content to be created by the users for the users, makes it an appealing addition to the academic librarians’ toolbox. Podcasting is a service that many of our users might not expect from their library, which makes it a unique and attractive offering. It requires few resources, and the end result might exceed librarians’ expectations. We found podcasting to be a robust outreach tool and a service that raises the profile of the library and as such creates an opportunity for users to find additional library resources. Nevertheless, it is necessary for academic librarians to critically evaluate the continuous innovations of Web 2.0 technologies on an ongoing basis so that they are best prepared to put them into the appropriate context amongst other relevant and important information.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-06-08T18:22:11Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Maurício Tessi de Souza.pdf: 1434399 bytes, checksum: 33e4b3f5814a662b1128ffd020800265 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-08T18:22:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Maurício Tessi de Souza.pdf: 1434399 bytes, checksum: 33e4b3f5814a662b1128ffd020800265 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-27 / Social software, eg Wikis, Blogs and Microblogs, have gained attention in recent years in the daily life of organizations, these can be incorporated into the project management and collaborative tools. Regarding organizations, these tools can facilitate the sharing of lessons learned and knowledge among employees of an organization and the external public. These facilities can be seen through the real-time communication, access to information by multiple people at the same time and control of information exercised by management or organization. Moreover, the lessons learned are one of the central points of this research, which contributed directly to the organization, management and the security project teams. This study aims to evaluate to what extent the use of an artifact produced by a lessons learned management model can contribute to the management of security projects. As research question of this study narrowed to the following, "To what extent the lessons learned Target 2.0 management model can contribute to the management of security projects?" To this end, this study uses the Design Science Research as a research paradigm and the Technical Action Research as a method, which will reduce the gap between research and practice. This work is characterized as qualitative, using interviews and direct observations techniques. We used a Wiki as a central tool of this artifact, noting the facilities of inputs, consultations and control of the lessons learned from the management and design teams. The device was applied to the organization through a Web 2.0 tool, ie a Wiki, which served as support and support to project teams in the collection of lessons learned. The study found that even the use of the artifact has contributed significantly to the practice of security projects, as there was an improvement in communication between staff and management. Another point seen in the study was the ease of use of the tool users in the process. One of the limitations is the availability of Internet, which is still a problem, because without Internet, the virtual tools or social media are compromised, being a hindrance to the team's work in the field. As a contribution to the theory the artifact created can improve Lessons Learned storage and communication between property security project teams and their managers in the researched organization. / Os softwares sociais, e.g. Wikis, Blogues e Microblogues, têm ganho atenção nos últimos anos no cotidiano das organizações, podendo estes serem incorporados à gestão de projetos como ferramentas colaborativas. No que tange às organizações, essas ferramentas podem facilitar o compartilhamento das lições aprendidas e o conhecimento entre colaboradores de uma organização e o público externo. Estas facilidades podem ser vistas através da comunicação em tempo real, do acesso às informações por várias pessoas ao mesmo tempo e do controle das informações exercido pela gestão ou pela organização. Além disso, as lições aprendidas são um dos pontos centrais desta pesquisa, a qual contribuiu diretamente na organização, na gestão e nas equipes de projetos de segurança. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar em que medida o uso de um artefato produzido por meio de um modelo de gestão de lições aprendidas pode contribuir para o gerenciamento de projetos de segurança. Como questão de pesquisa deste estudo delimitou-se a seguinte, "Em que medida o modelo de gestão de lições aprendidas Target 2.0 pode contribuir com a gestão de projetos de segurança?" Para tal, este estudo utiliza o Design Science Research como paradigma de pesquisa e o Technical Action Research como método, que permitem reduzir a lacuna existente entre a pesquisa e a prática. Este trabalho se caracteriza como qualitativo, utilizando as técnicas de entrevista e observação direta. Utilizou-se uma Wiki como ferramenta central deste artefato, observando as facilidades dos inputs, as consultas e controle das lições aprendidas entre a gestão e as equipes de projeto. O artefato foi aplicado na organização por meio de uma ferramenta da Web 2.0, ou seja, uma Wiki, a qual serviu como suporte e apoio às equipes de projeto na coleta das lições aprendidas. O estudo apontou ainda que o uso do artefato contribuiu significativamente para a prática de projetos de segurança, pois houve uma melhora na comunicação entre a equipe e com a gestão. Outro ponto percebido no estudo foi à facilidade de uso da ferramenta pelos usuários nos processos apresentados pelo modelo Target 2.0. Como limitações percebeu-se que a Internet ainda é um problema, pois sem ela as ferramentas virtuais ou as mídias sociais são comprometidas, sendo um empecilho para o trabalho da equipe em campo. Como contribuição para a teoria o artefato criado pode melhorar o armazenamento de Lições Aprendidas e a comunicação entre as equipes de projeto de segurança patrimonial e seus gestores na organização pesquisada.

The emergence of Web 2.0 tools has transformed the operation of Knowledge Management (KM) practices in the academic libraries. This study has investigated the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices in academic libraries in Tanzania. Eight out of twelve academic libraries located in public universities in Tanzania were purposively selected in this study. The study included two categories of respondents: ordinary library staff and senior library staff (directors, heads of libraries, library managers, and Information and Technology (IT) specialists in the library etc). The findings of the study were determined after applying methodological triangulation within quantitative and qualitative research contexts. This included the use of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and observations. In the first instance, questionnaires were used to collect data from 278 library staff selected using systematic sampling technique. Interviewing targeted 69 senior library staff was done using purposive sampling technique. In total, 254 (91.4%) ordinary library staff completed the questionnaire; while 57 (82.6%) senior librarians were interviewed. The study findings have indicated the low level of KM application in academic libraries. Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) Library showed the strongest application of KM practices, followed by State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) Library. Lack of KM enablers in academic libraries was indicated as one of the significant challenges that hinder the application of KM practices in academic libraries. It was noted that most of the academic libraries visited had websites. On the other hand, the majority of respondents acknowledged that they had personal accounts of the various Web 2.0 tools. The study findings imply that most library staff had some level of experience with a variety of Web 2.0 tools. It was further established that despite the high level of familiarity and use of Web 2.0 tools, respondents were not frequent users of their library websites. The study findings have also indicated a low level of access and use of Web 2.0 tools within academic libraries. Mzumbe University (MU) and SUZA Libraries were the main users of Web 2.0 tools; followed by University of Dar-es-Salaam (UDSM) Library. Knowledge Management System (KMS) Success Model was employed to investigate factors that affect the application of Web 2.0 tools to enhance KM practices. The study findings have demonstrated that the KMS Success Model is suitable for guiding the understanding of the contributing factors with respect to library staff‟s intention to reuse Web 2.0 tools. The study findings supported the KMS Success Model well, whereby seven of the twelve hypothesised relationships were found to be significant. The study recommends that academic libraries in Tanzania should promote and integrate KM practices in their daily operations as well as the use of KM enablers such as; reliable budget, Web 2.0 tools, reliable power supply, internet connectivity availability and adequate ICTs infrastructure. / Information Science / D. Litt. et. Phil. (Information Science)