Personalizing Virtual Learning Environments: a participatory

approach

Anita Zijdemans Boudreau PhDCollege of Education

Pacific UniversityeLearn 2011 Honolulu

Social MediaSocial Media

• A group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0–e.g., blogs, wikis, social network sites, content communities, immersive worlds, virtual communities and media sharing–which allows the creation and exchange of user-generated content. (Kaplan & Haelein, 2010).

• blurs the boundaries between F2F & Virtual environments;

• continuously adapts to stakeholders’ needs & contexts;

• fluid, flexible, & networked;

• brings together formal & informal activities (Oblinger, 2006).

Learning Space [LS] Design:

• A comprehensive management system that supports communication, online delivery, curriculum mapping, assessment, student tracking all within a secure workspace that seamlessly interfaces with an institution's administrative information system (Hunt et al. 2002) Blackboard, Moodle…

Virtual Learning Environment [VLE]VLE]

Personal Learning Personal Learning Environment [PLE]Environment [PLE]

• A collection of systems and tools – Blogs, Wikis, Office – that allow individuals to take control of and manage their own learning and work.

• Embodies the Web 2.0 philosophy of empowering individuals to actively construct their understanding and experience in a social environment.

Word, PDF, PPT, Email, Excel, G-app, Survey Monkey, YouTube, Jing

TEACHINTEACHINGG

VLE or VLE or PLE?PLE?

Personalized Virtual Learning Personalized Virtual Learning Environment [pVLE]Environment [pVLE]

A working definition…

• a hybrid VLE-PLE, that serves as flexible infrastructure that supports the learning community via a network of linked shared workspaces, resources, communication tools, and individual PLEs (Zijdemans Boudreau, 2011).

pVLE for a Program of pVLE for a Program of StudyStudy

• What is the outcome of involving stakeholders in an integrated participatory action research process of creating a social media-based Virtual Learning Space [VLS] to foster teaching, learning, collaboration, and knowledge development over the duration of an entire program of study?

https://sites.google.com/site/coeflex2009/

https://sites.google.com/site/coeflex2011/

https://sites.google.com/site/coeflex2010/home

VLS DesignVLS Design

VLS DesignVLS Design

VLS UsageVLS Usage#1

#3

#2

Quantitative Quantitative Responses #1 & #2Responses #1 & #2

Participant Participant Responses #3Responses #3

Continue using the Virtual

Space? SA=9 and A=3.

“Keeps us involved,

organized, making the

program feel like a holistic

whole instead of a bunch of

disconnected parts like all of my [previous] undergraduate

experience felt.”

Qualitative Qualitative Responses Q1Responses Q1

Qualitative Qualitative Responses Q2Responses Q2

• Social Media-based VLS Design • pVLE works at Program Level VLS adapts to

formal & informal learning needs of the participants

• personalization + empowerment BUT requires a conceptual shift towards fluid ownership in what have been traditionally institution-centric environments

• Integrated Participatory Inquiry Approach:• Effective means for systematically documenting

the process + engaging stakeholders

Conclusions

• Mobile Access

• Social networking

• Formal – Informal Learning

• Faculty involvement

Future Directions