Research on mobile and web 2.0 learning: A comparative review approach

Abstract

Contemporary E-learning research tends to se parately evaluate the effectiveness of mobile learning or web 2.0-based learning. Although the independent use of these technologies in the short term reveals substantial research value, in the long run, if we can integrate the various technologies according to their tool-specific features, this combination will be able to bring students greater learning benefits than their individual use. By means of reviewing and comparing both aspects of research articles published in six major SSCI journals from 2006 to 2010, this study primarily aimed to understand the individual current mobile and Web 2.0-based learning research. The results should be helpful for researchers in identifying interesting topics for further exploration. A comparative analysis of both literature tracts could then predict the potential benefits of integrated use of different technologies, suggest practical recommendations for implementation, guide the direction of educational applications, and provide effective instruments for evaluation.