Challenges in using Web 2.0 for enhancing student learning in higher education

Thomas W K Yuen and Heidi N H Fung
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Hong Kong SAR, China

As Web 2.0 tools become more powerful and interactive, it is easier for people to share their thoughts and resources online. Every day, innumerable people, the younger generation in particular, interact through Web 2.0 services. Since the advent of Web 2.0, there has been an increasing interest in taking advantage of its available technologies to support student learning for classroom courses. Due to the recency of this second version, the implications of Web 2.0 for education have not yet been thoroughly studied or evaluated. This paper uses the standard ordered probit model as the statistical tool to investigate the factors that affect the effectiveness of using Web 2.0 for enhancing student learning in higher education. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 80 university students who were required to carry out an economics project with the use of YouTube. The group project involves developing a video presentation that has to be uploaded to YouTube for sharing. After reviewing and discussing the video in class, students need to rate each other's projects and post comments on the online forum. An understanding of students' perceptions is crucial for the future use of web technology in teaching and learning.