António Moreira

Using social web tools for knowledge construction

This paper examines knowledge construction in a distributed learning environment supported by social web tools. Research data was gathered from online asynchronous discussions in a first-year masters degree course in multimedia in education. Our analysis was modelled on Gunawardena et al.s (1997) study and results indicate that, despite a significant percentage in the phase of sharing and comparing information, interaction at the highest levels of knowledge construction is relevant and suggests that knowledge was constructed.

Digital Storytelling: Emotions in Higher Education.

In tandem with the deep structural changes that have taken place in society, education must also shift towards a teaching approach focused on learning and the overall development of the student. The integration of technology may be the drive to foster the needed changes. We draw on the literature of pertaining to the role of emotions and interpersonal relationships in the learning process, the technological evolution of storytelling towards Digital Storytelling and its connections to education. We argue Digital Storytelling is capable of challenging HE contexts, namely the emotional realm, where the private vs. public dichotomy is more prominent. Ultimately we propose Digital Storytelling as the aggregator capable of personalizing Higher Education while developing essential skills and competences.