Investigating the use of Web 2.0 technology by Malaysian students

Abstract

Purpose -Many research have uncovered the use of Web 2.0 technology by students from various countries. Yet, limited studies have been done from the context of developing country such as Malaysia. This paper aims to highlight the development of a survey instrument that captured the use of Web 2.0 applications by Malaysian students for learning. Design/methodology/approach -Surveys had been used by most studies to gather empirical evidence about the use of Web 2.0 by young generations. The paper discussed how previously used survey instruments were redesigned, modified and constructed. Then, the survey was administered to a total of 217 Malaysian students. Findings -Students in Malaysia are reasonably well exposed to Web 2.0 applications and comfortable to use them for learning purposes. Results are consistent with similar respondents surveyed elsewhere but varied slightly on specific Web 2.0 tools due to exposure and the nature of use. Malaysian students are also found to be passive rather than active contributors to the construction of knowledge. Originality/value -This paper provides the insights of how Malaysian students would react towards the incorporation of Web 2.0 technologies into classroom. Studies alike have not been undertaken from the Malaysia perspective.

Understanding students' perceptions of the benefits of online social networking use for teaching and learning

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Adoption of Web 2.0 Tools as Learning Instrument in Tanzania Higher Education. Where are WE?

“…The most important advantage of Web 2.0 tools is that it encourages two ways interactions among students and lecturers beyond the classroom hours. Adoption and uses of social media and other web 2.0 tools for social interactions is growing among people of different ages [14] but its adoption and use by college students and staffs is still very low [2] [4] and [15]. However precautions should be taken when comparing those results.…”

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An empirical study of lecturers’ appropriation of social technologies for higher education

“…In the last few years, there has been much discussion about the use of social technologies in higher education (Bayne & Ross, 2007;Hemmi, Bayne, & Land, 2009;Shaohua & Peilin, 2008;Zakaria, Watson, & Edwards, 2010). This is illustrated through published examples of successful uses of social technologies in the extant literature (Ajjan & Hartshorne, 2008;Dale & Pymm, 2009;Hemmi, et al, 2009).…”