The blend of both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods fostered an open,
blended learning environment, one that extended the traditional boundaries of the classroom
in time and space. The interactive and decentralized nature of digital tools enabled staff and
students to communicate and strengthen social ties, alongside participation in the production
of new knowledge and media content. For students and lecturers, the implementation of
social media and cloud platforms offered an innovative solution to both teaching and learning
in a collaborative manner. By leveraging the interactive and decentralised capabilities of a
CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, 2015, 6(1), 62-73
range of technologies in an educational context, this model of digital scholarship facilitates an
open and dynamic working environment. Blended teaching methods allow for expansive
collaboration, whereby information and knowledge can be accessed and disseminated across a
number of networked devices.