The Web 2.0 to mediate formal and informal learning processes between school and social community: The «Didaduezero» project in the Provincia of Trento

Abstract

The research, carried out in collaboration with the Istituto Provinciale per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione Educativa of Trento-Italy (IPRASE), developed a new experimental model (SoSoFIN – Social Software in formal, informal and non-formal context) to investigate how learning processes in formal and informal contexts can be mediated and successfully integrated within the formal school curriculum. Teachers and students were supported to develop their digital competences using these tools at school during their project based learning activities. The research covers a wide range of Web 2.0 learning projects during which students and teachers collaborated with local communities creating highly contextualized digital artefacts, and making them available to all. Results show that this approach stimulates social-cultural processes, increases students participation and motivation to learn, as well as digital skills of both students and teachers.