Building students' habits of mind: a 4-layer model using Web 2.0 tools

The overall purpose of this article is to describe a strategy of how to use Web 2.0 tools meaningfully to build students' habits of mind and improve their learning outcomes. This approach is based on a distribution of Web 2.0 tools (such as: QQ, Windows Live Messenger, MySpace, Blog, Forum, YouTube, Podcasting) across what we refer to as four 'layers': awareness, exploration, commitment and word-of-mouth. The argument is that interactivity, individualisation and a systematic pedagogy are fundamental for achieving transnational and international learning outcomes if students are to become global practitioners capable of living in and making use of a changing global environment. This argument is illustrated in a case study showing the effectiveness and efficiency of Web 2.0 tools locally and globally.