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University of the West of ScotlandSchool of EducationMasters DissertationChildren’s Online Voices – A Case Study
“Can Weblogs, Wikis and other associated emerging socialsoftware tools be used to create an effective on-line learningcommunity?”
Margaret VassMatriculation Number B00013865May 2008Word count – 20200
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education Advanced Professional Studies
Table of Contents
Abstract Page 3Acknowledgements Page 5Research Questions and Aims Page 6Rationale Page 7Review of Literature and Current Thinking Page 12Design and Implementation Page 31Findings Page 40Conclusions Page 52Implications Page 64References Page 70Bibliography Page 74
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Abstract
Current thinking in the review of literature suggests that it is possible to draw onthe online communication skills already being developed in pupils' lives outsideof school. The literature also proposes that, as blogs and wikis are not unlike thenew media tools currently being used by young people today, these media couldpotentially be adapted by schools to allow e-learning to occur successfully. This study sets out to investigate whether weblogs, wikis and other emergingsocial software tools can be used to create an effective on-line learningcommunity. The research is confined to one particular class of primary 7 pupilswho have been using these new social software tools since entering their finalyear of primary school. A fresh approach to using the blogs and wikis wasadopted during the three month research period and the children were given thefreedom to use the tools as they wished within a supportive online environment.The teacher’s role became that of a facilitator, and guidance was providedthrough creating a sense of online audience by submitting comments on thechildren’s posts regularly. Offline, new interesting posts were shared with thechildren.Particular consideration was paid to:
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Online Identities / gender issues
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The relationship between the online / offline environments
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Resulting impact on teaching and learning
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Consequential formal and informal learningA case study method was adopted. Data was gathered systematicallythroughout the research period and
focuses on:
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Observations - regular checks in order to monitor blog posts andcomments, and wiki entries
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Field notes – updated regularly on a blog set up for the purpose of narrating the research journey
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