Open-source learning management system and Web 2.0 online social software applications as learning platforms for an elementary school in Singapore

Abstract

This paper analyses how an elementary-level future school in Singapore implements and uses various open-source online platforms, which are easily available online and could be implemented with minimal software cost, for the purpose of teaching and learning. Online platforms have the potential to facilitate students’ engagement for independent and collaborative learning, enhance student–teacher interactions, and develop students’ technological skills. A framework is constructed to facilitate the conceptualisation of the various pedagogical approaches for learning using such online platforms – learning from and with technology is proposed. Learning from technology leans itself more towards the didactic and behaviouristic theories whereas learning with technology has its origin from the constructivism and social constructivism paradigms. In addition, both the didactic and constructivist pedagogical approaches are applicable for online learning as they could be used to achieve different outcomes depending on the learning objectives. Implicit in the findings is also the importance of the teachers’ commitment and competencies and good infrastructural and technical support in the use of technologies for teaching and learning in an educational setting.