The learning ecology of Web 2.0 tool use by teacher librarian candidates

Abstract

The learning ecology captured by this survey of Web 2.0 tool usage among teacher librarian candidates at Western Kentucky University paints a narrow landscape of Social networking and communication tools used for personal activities, which are used to a lesser degree in the professional and academic spheres. Results indicate that the Top five Web 2.0 tools (Social Networking, Communication, Photo/Video Sharing, Blogs, and Productivity Tools) are being used more often in professional settings than previously reported in other national and state studies. Age does not appear to be significant in the learning ecology of teacher librarian candidates' Web 2.0 tool use, indicating that an overall enthusiasm for technology among teacher librarian candidates putthem in a special category of user. Suggestions for further study include exploring how ―gateway‖ Web 2.0 tools such as collaboration and networking tools used by teacher librarian candidates in their personal lives could transfer to the professional and academic spheres, and spur motivation to use other less commonly used Web 2.0 tools such as social gaming, pod-casting or virtual environments. This study confirms that the potential for educators to integrate Web 2.0 tools into all aspects of their lives are currently hampered by limited bandwidth at home, and the use of restrictive acceptable use policies and filters in schools.