WEB 2.0 LEARNING PLATFORM: Harnessing Collective Intelligence

The rate of technological diffusion and the pace at which technology is altering how
and with whom we connect is astounding. Although not at the same pace, theoretical
views of learning and teaching are also changing. Whereas much of the initial elearning
simply patterned old models of teaching and learning, the new technological
possibilities and realities encourage us to think differently about what is meant by
education (Brown, 2000).
In this paper, we provide a stepping stone in some of the theoretical background,
history, and possibilities for learning systems and platforms in the Web 2.0 era. We
share a case study that reflects the experiences of a small university that is moving
towards E-Learning 2.0 while simultaneously increasing interoperability by using elearning
standards reflected in the widely-used reference model called SCORM
(Sharable Content Object Reference Model). We also highlight the strengths and
weaknesses of SCORM in allowing for learning management systems to have a Web
2.0 character.