Application of hybrid e-learning and web 2.0 for pedagogical innovations in Higher Education institutions

Abstract

The emerging trends of hybrid e-learning and web 2.0 technologies are a byproduct of the unprecedented advancements of information technology. Understanding and experimenting on how technology fits into the complex realities of classrooms has resulted in significant shifts in learning trends towards a more web based environment as opposed to the previous general teacher-student environment. The education sector in Saudi Arabia has seen massive progress in the past decades with specific efforts put into educating the female population to empower women. Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU), a newly established not-for-profit university licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education, having a campus specifically dedicated to female students has been chosen for case study. This research is an attempt to understand the benefits and challenges of implementing hybrid e-learning and web 2.0 application based environment to educate female students. Results of the investigation prove that introducing such learning environments can have significant impacts on improvement of students' evaluation process, research capabilities, and communication skills. Finally, we show how this technology can also yield similar successful results in other countries and other institutes.