Abstract
The integration of "Web 2.0" offers to involve learners more actively in courses is a topic currently under discussion. The aim of this article is, beyond the potential mentioned in the theory-based discourse, to analyse typical problems associated with the implementation of social software in higher education on the basis of empirical work. Methodologically, this is not a meta-study, but rather a limited in scope, therefore exemplary, but systematic review of predominantly English-language, empirically based works on the use of social software - especially blogs and wikis - in the context of higher education courses. The analysis of the case studies reviewed shows that the phenomenon of lacking student participation is addressed, that various considerations for forcing mandatory participation are tried out, but that the consequences of these specific interventions to increase participation are rarely reflected upon. Finally, fundamental problems and areas of tension of participatory approaches with digital media in the educational space of higher education are discussed.
