Evaluation of Student Facing Web-Based Services: Final Integrated Report (Nielsen/NetRatings)

Overall Impacts

The overall impacts of web based services are beginning to emerge, namely, encouraging young students to be self sufficient and independent in their own learning by providing them with tools that are at their disposal around the clock.  Even young students using the WickED website felt that one of the important elements of the site was the way that it allows them to work by themselves; and the teenage users of Studyit cited the ‘24/7 availability’ and ‘interaction with peers and teachers’ as two of the site’s key benefits.

The two-way communication and interaction facilitated by the online medium is an ideal stimulus for participation, with applications like online forums being an excellent tool to teach the core skills of relating to others, managing self and participating and contributing. Value is gained not only for those who actively participate in forums (ie posting messages), but also among the ‘lurkers’ who refrain from posting comments but who still play an active role reading others’ posts and who can be just as engaged in the content.

Another method of self expression (uniquely) found on web based services is the ability for users to publish their own work. This is beneficial to build children and young people’s confidence and again, to teach the skills of participation and contribution. It is important to note that this element of the services appears to be under utilised at present and requires more encouragement and perhaps, more guided use, from teachers and parents, to encourage student contribution.

Limitations to Impacts

The current technological age has created an interesting situation whereby children and young people, particularly secondary school students, have fast overtaken adults in their adoption, interest and sophistication in using the online medium. For this reason, teachers and parents may feel somewhat intimidated or ‘left behind’ when it comes to introducing their students / children to web based learning services and this issue must be taken into account when promoting the services and driving usage. Adults are a great source of awareness of these websites for the children and young people in their care, and they need to feel comfortable and confident when recommending them, and in demonstrating use. If adults have difficulty, or lack confidence, using particular websites or specific features on websites, this will also create a barrier to use among children and young people.