A Software Engineering-Based Methodology for Selecting and Implementing Web 2.0 Technologies for Teaching

Abstract

Nowadays, university students have grown up surrounded by Web 2.0 technologies, which they are able to use with ease. These technologies provide an opportunity to improve the learning/teaching process through collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and above all, the motivation created by the use of these technologies that are generally utilised by students in their day-to-day social life. The integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the learning/teaching process must be addressed in a critical way, taking into account the objectives to be achieved and the type of teaching to be undertaken. Teachers can find a wide range of available Web 2.0 technologies and it is often difficult for them to decide which type is the best one for their needs. This paper proposes a methodology based on software engineering methods and designed for software selection that provides recommendations to evaluate the function and options of Web 2.0 technologies according to the specific needs and characteristics of the subject to be taught and the types of students involved in higher education. The methodology consists of a formal guide to aid teachers when they need to select and put Web 2.0 technologies into practice in a learning/teaching process. In order to offer a practical demonstration of the application of this methodology, the experiences of various teachers in engineering degrees are described.