Web-based learning and the role of context

Abstract

The paper argues that the development of Web based (WB) learning environments is impaired by a vision of education that emphasizes content and disregards context. Though inherited from the outdated mechanistic models of the Industrial Society, this vision still dominates most of the efforts to improve learning and education, at an era where completely different paradigms apply. The paper briefly recalls the mechanistic heritage of education, evokes the thinkers that stood up for the contextual nature of learning, and illustrates some learning strategies for the creation of learning contexts in Web based environments.