From Silos to Mashups Conformance through Widget-based Mashup Approaches to Learning Environments

Different types of digital learning environments have evolved over the years and there is an ongoing evolvement of different concepts and technology. During the last 10-15 years Learning Management Systems have dominated. In recent years there has been a development of concepts like Personal Learning Environments using mashup technology. This paper presents a study of a mashup approach to the digital learning environment using web widgets. A prototype was developed and tested, covering some technological aspects such as modularity, integration and adaptability as well as pedagogical aspects, such as pedagogical flexibility, technological responsiveness and pedagogues roles and attitudes. The study shows that widgets and mashup technology can be used to construct digital learning environments that have the potential to replace traditional LMSes and that pedagogues are positive to the adaptive learning environments and flexibility that they represent.