Image by Ben Werdmuller (Access: 21.07.2010)
Short description
Elgg is an opensource software for the creation of a social network / community. It's possible to install it on own servers.
How is it used for learning?
- Buildung a social community in a company, university, department or school
- Learners can use it as a personal learning platform (links, contacts, publications, groups, files etc.) - it can be used as an e-portfolio.
- Group work can be done very well
- Reflective learning by forum discussions
Social networking is more a kind of informal learning - so it's all about communication. Using Elgg (or Buddypress) ensures also that the data are not hosted at third party providers (like Facebook or Google).
Related learning activities
http://en.methopedia.eu/E-Portfolios (needs some more info)
Links and examples
Jane Hart about Elgg and social learning: http://www.slideshare.net/janehart/using-elgg-as-a-social-learning-platform
Comments
Interesting for educators / trainers: the Elgg based Community "Eduspaces": http://eduspaces.net
