Web
2.0 tools have become more common in higher education and are fast becoming an
integral part of the learning experience. There is much published information
on the attitudes of educators and institutions towards Web 2.0. Student
attitudes to such tools are less well described in the literature.
Undergraduate students were surveyed regarding their use of Web 2.0
technologies in a social context and whether they have utilised similar tools
in an academic setting. Having completed assignments based on the use of
discussion boards and wikis, some of the students were further surveyed with
regard to their motivations for participation, or not, and the perceived
usefulness of such assignments with Web 2.0 elements. Social media was used
extensively by students, with the social networking site Facebook being
overwhelmingly the most popular such tool. Many students were eager and
accepting of Web 2.0 use in higher education, while some had reservations about
their use. These reservations including possible distractions; disconnect with
lecturers; difficulties with the technology and internet connections; and the
reliability of information produced by such methods. Students also identified
positive aspects of Web 2.0 use including the ability to collaborate more effectively
with peers; the ability to engage more with current research; and the ability
to utilise new media (videos, audio, etc.). While a majority of students are
willing to use, and in some cases embrace, Web 2.0 for teaching and learning,
it is important to ensure that all students are engaged. This may require some
intervention for students who do not clearly see the benefits that Web 2.0 can
bring.