Students’ Usage and Experiences of Web 2.0 Technologies

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to obtain information on how the students use the web tools and technologies and how much it affects their education. This paper aims to present the results of a survey research that investigated post-graduate students at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. This survey research is done through a quantitative approach by using the questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The researchers designed the questionnaire with open-ended and closeended questions and distributed to post-graduate students. The data analysis revealed that major purpose to use the web tools by the students is for professional activities like finding relevant materials, sharing with friends and promoting their research. This is positive sign that students are focused and use the Web 2.0 tools for educational purpose. Students feel that privacy is the major concern for them. This study is limited to examine the students’ usage and experiences of Web 2.0 tools by small group of post-graduate students of TISS, Mumbai. Therefore, the results should not be generalized in different settings to describe all students’ experiences of the use of Web 2.0 tools. This research study gives a clear picture of students and their use of web 2.0 tools in their education. This research can be helpful to the fraternities so as to help students understand the importance of these tools. Their awareness level about the tools can be observed and can be improved.