Web 2.0 and social media: essential tools for contemporary teaching and learning

Abstract

This article briefly reports on the use of Web 2.0 tools and social media in higher education institutions, both in South Africa and around the world. For ease of reading, we have positioned our recommendations directly after the introductory section explaining what these tools are; supporting sections follow outlining the global and local contexts, as well as the advantages, challenges and costs of social media in a higher education context.