Investigating the synergistic effects of integrating a learning management system and free wikis in teacher education courses

Learning Management Systems (LMSs) allow teachers to manage learning activities efficiently and effectively. Teachers can use an LMS to upload course materials, organize online discussions, share files, and collect assignments online. In 2002, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, the largest teacher education provider in Hong Kong, started to employ the popular Blackboard online learning platform. The Institute attempted various ways to explore the delivery of traditional academic courses via this online learning platform. The primary aim of using Blackboard is to provide in-service teachers with a new way to facilitate their learning. In addition to LMSs, we are aware that our students are able to collaborate, create, and share new information on the Web through various Web 2.0 tools (such as social bookmarking systems, blogs, wikis, social networks, video sharing platforms, etc.). However, how can these Web 2.0 tools be used alongside LMSs to facilitate the implementation of e-learning in teacher education courses? This study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of integrating LMSs and free wikis in teacher education courses. First, we discuss the pros and cons of using LMS and wiki-based learning activities from a user’s perspective. Secondly, we discuss the approach for building our own learning model that integrates both online tools in course delivery. Copyright © 2013 CGPublisher.