Using Web 2.0 Technology to Enhance Knowledge Sharing in an Academic Department

Abstract

Academic departments at colleges and universities perform various functions that involve teaching, scheduling, registration and course management. As new technologies emerge and digital culture evolves, academic departments need to decide which technologies to adopt and when to implement them in order to continue functioning effectively. Nowadays, knowledge is regarded as a strategic resource in organizations; therefore the leverage of knowledge is a key decision-making issue. Research has shown that Web 2.0 technologies such as social networks are easy to use and familiar, allowing learners to share and generate knowledge within the small group environment. This study examines the use of Web 2.0 technologies as platforms for sharing knowledge between the Industrial Engineering department of King Abdulaziz University and its students. This was done by carrying out a survey of the students, from which 77 valid responses were collected. The survey found that a significant percentage of students reported that the current knowledge-sharing process in the department, using notice boards, is acceptable and good but that it needs to improve to reach more students. Knowledge of scheduling and registration was said by the largest number of participants to be the type that they most strongly preferred to be shared. Finally, 70% of the students chose Facebook as the best platform for sharing knowledge and information between students and the department, 16% chose Twitter, 13% Google+ and 1% others. This study is original, not only for being one of the first in Saudi Arabia, but for being one of the few to explore the use of Web 2.0 technology for sharing knowledge between an academic department and its students.

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