TECHNOLOGY USE FOR COLLABORATION IN BLENDED LEARNING

Abstract

E-learning traditionally is seen as individually oriented learning. The main effort was on creation of effective learning materials. Development of information and communication technologies (ICT) is bringing new possibilities for e-learning mainly on the area of collaboration. The idea of collaborative learning in e-learning becomes more popular. The main question for research is - is it possible or appropriate to use technology for collaborative learning in blended-learning settings at Liepaja University. Research based on partly structured interviews with lecturers about their experience and future view of usage of ICT as a tool for collaborative learning. Case studies of e-learning part of blended learning shows that lecturers still using e-learning tools mainly for content delivering. And for the future they still see e-learning as tool to make learning materials available. Key words: blended learning, collaborative learning, e-learning, higher education, technology.