Online learning environments between formal and informal context. A study to determine the learning level of learners using these environments

In the last few years, thanks to the advent of Web 2.0 and the increased attention being given to the potentials of spontaneous and informal practices, the need to renew the way of training arose. In particular, it was necessary to create more open and flexible online learning environments. This paper shows the results of a research/experimentation carried out in order to check whether it is possible, by using an online learning environment 2.0, to improve the study and comprehension skills of the learners and if, at the same time, the development of the metacognitive dimension of the person who interacts with this environment is facilitated. The aim of the experiment, carried out in a university context, was to compare and evaluate the level of learning achieved by the students who have attended the lessons with those who, instead, have benefited from the lessons using 2.0 technological environments. More specifically, we used the online learning environment called MyLe@rn, designed and built with web 2.0 technology and able to integrate the formal and informal dimension of learning according to the socio-constructivist model. In the paper, before illustrating the research/experimentation, the environment MyLe@rn will be briefly described.