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The University of Southampton
Digital Learning

Social learning

Current educational models such as social constructivism and authentic problem-based learning emphasise the importance of social dynamics in the learning process, and there are a wide range of digital systems that can support this. Discussion forums and blogs facilitate asynchronous conversations, while Skype calls, webinars and Twitter enable synchronous (real-time) debate. Our Vevox in-class polling system also includes messaging which can be used for questions, comments and feedback.

Both Blackboard and Turnitin have features that enable peer feedback and review of assignments, while eFolio enables peer review of group-work. There are also a range of technologies that support group projects, from institutional ones like Blackboard to web services like Google Docs and Office 365 or Microsoft Teams and Slack. Finally, many students use social media sites such as Facebook groups to develop their own informal learning network.

Alessia Plutino from Modern Languages

Social Media in the Classroom

Alessia Plutino from Modern Languages and Linguistics shares her thoughts on using social media to support learning.

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