Towards the Sigma Online Learning Model for crowdsourced recommendations of good web-based learning resources

Abstract

The web based learning resources is believed to be playing an active role in the learning environment of higher education today. This qualitative study is exploring how students at Bergen University College incorporate web-based learning resources in their learning activities. At the core of this research is the problem of retrieving good web-resources after their first discovery. Usefull and knowledge granting web-resources are discovered within a context of topics, objectives. It is here argued that this knowledge of the surrondings of the resource is valuable to keep. Not only the resource itself but also the relations the resource have to the surronding topics it was initially discovered within. The result from the study is a partial proposal of a online learning model for a new learning platform fascilitating use and sharing of Web Based learning resources in Bergen University College. Visual Concept maps are good tools to show relationships between topics. By organizing learning resources visually in a concept map, a bigger understanding can be achieved by the student. By constructing shared mindmaps, students can mediate their knowledge within their community on common topics.