[thesis] The Influence of Web 2.0 on Technology Enhanced Learning

Now the Table of Content and the abstract of my submitted thesis for the second doctorate (in german: Habilitation) at Graz University of Technology is online available. Due to the fact that the work is a cumulative one (a combination of 24 conference papers or journal articles) the originals can be already found on my webpage or as blogpost. Nevertheless if anyone is interested to get the whole file (it’s just a big one) contact me (martin.ebner [at] tugraz.at).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all 🙂

[video] Web 2.0 and Digital Natives?

Nun gut, man könnte einwerfen, dass es sich noch nicht wirklich um Digital Natives handelt in dem Kurzfilm, aber dennoch ist es doch beim ersten Ansehen etwas erstaunlich. Meine Erklärung, die wir ja mit Daten belegen können, ist dass es wohl einerseits am Begriff Web 2.0 liegt, der wohl den Jugendlichen nicht so geläufig ist und andererseits daran, dass die Digitalisierung wirklich noch nicht so weit voran geschritten ist, wie mancher vermutet:

[publication] How Web 2.0 Enhance Knowledge Construction in Civil Engineering

Our research article about the use of Web 2.0 technologies in Civil Engineering Education “How Web 2.0 Enhance Knowledge Construction in Civil Engineering” has been published.
Abstract:

At Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) lots of experience using multimedia or internet based applications in higher education has been gathered. Especially in the field of civil engineering we can refer to a seven year long practical employment. During the very first e-Learning boom at universities in Austria in 2001 some projects in the field of civil engineering have been started in order to investigate the possibilities of web-based education. Nowadays a radical change of the Web, often called Web 2.0, offers possibilities, which can change the e-Education dramatically. The use of Wikis and Weblogs lead to a more collaborative teaching and learning process. Podcasts, in the same way as web based software helps to support the learner of today in a much more efficient way as in the years before.
This paper will discuss how modern technologies can be used in the field of Civil Engineering Education and will show a lot of practical examples of today’s effort in this field at TU Graz. The authors conclude that e-Education will play a very important role in the future of higher education. Bearing in mind that learners of today are the working society of tomorrow this change leads to arbitrarily new situations. Has industry to prepare for a new kind of generation?

Reference: Ebner, M. (2009) How Web 2.0 Enhance Knowledge Construction in Civil Engineering, A. Starcic and M. Kovac (ed.), University & Industry – Knowledge Transfer and Innovation, WSEAS Press, Athen, 2009, p. 77-101

Here you will get the Draftversion.

[project] ePhilosophy with Children

Im Rahmen eines EU-Projektes von verschiedenen Schulen in 4 Staaten übernimmt die Gruppe Vernetztes Lernen die technische Leitung. In dem Projekt soll Philosophieren mit Kindern im Unterricht umgesetzt und dies von Neuen Medien unterstützt werden. Es werden dabei vor allem Weblogs zum Einsatz kommen.
Abstract des Antrages:

The growth of children is related to their environment that is strongly influenced by technological developments. Children still have a natural attitude of questioning, searching for answers and being amazed during their journey within the ‘circle of inquiry’.
Philosophy offers children the chance to explore concepts, to strengthen their own capacity to appraise and respond to alternatives, improve their thinking, to self-correct their habits of thought, feeling and action through sustained ethical inquiry.
In this project we will realize an ongoing platform for Philosophy with Children. The aim is that children from different countries develop a community by philosophizing on subjects like culture, tolerance, children rights and intercultural dialogue. Not only language skills will be developed, but also the meaning of words in their cultural context will become more clearly. The use of ICT skills is important for their verbal and written communication. By debating on the weblog, children will be able to react on someone’s opinion, reflect on their own thoughts and will learn to express their own ideas whilst respecting other people and their cultures. The created awareness will be broadened in a motivational manner.

Die Laufzeit beträgt 2 Jahre und wir sind sehr gespannt auf den Verlauf. Natürlich werde ich immer wieder berichten.