Web 2.0 in Portuguese academic community : an exploratory survey

Abstract

Web 2.0 relates to a number of web-based services and applications that, though relatively mature, can be explored for educational uses in a myriad of new and innovative ways. In this paper we will begin by establishing: a) why we consider Web 2.0 is more than a set of “cool” new technologies and services; b) why we believe in the capacities of this new web generation to explore collaborative teaching and learning strategies, c) in order to advocate for its integration in our higher education classroom activities. We will then present a recent survey conducted in main Portuguese universities in order to verify if our academic community (students and teachers) were aware of this new web paradigm and believed on its potential for changing educational and communicational processes. The results show up that the Portuguese academic community is unaware of this new philosophy and that is necessary to develop strategies for an effective integration of Web 2.0 tools in our teaching and learning practices.