Web+2.0

What does Web 2.0 mean?
Web 2.0 essentially refers to the natural evolution and transition taking place on the internet, from the idea of an information superhighway, with exits and entrances, to the idea of a two-way, reciprocal collaboration between users via such tools as wikis, blogs, etc.. Web 2.0 represents an online environment that allows customization by the user for the user. Web 2.0 stresses the idea that creativity and innovation will be the end result of cooperation and sharing between users. The following video provides an illustration of what the upgrading of the Web to Web 2.0 has meant and could mean in the future. With Web 2.0 we are no longer simply consumers of the information but also the producers. media type="youtube" key="6gmP4nk0EOE&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

A great resource for technology terms such as "Web 2.0" is [|Techterms.com], an online Tech Terms Computer Dictionary. Techterms.com defines Web 2.0 as follows: "//Web 2.0 is term that was introduced in 2004 and refers to the second generation of the [|World Wide Web]. The term '2.0' comes from the software industry, where new versions of software programs are labeled with an incremental version number. Like software, the new generation of the Web includes new features and functionality that was not available in the past. However, Web 2.0 does not refer to a specific version of the Web, but rather a series of technological improvements. Web 2.0 generally refers to a website that offers users the ability to create content or creative products without the need of external software.

Some examples of features considered to be part of Web 2.0 are listed below://
 * //**[|Blogs]** - also known as Web logs, these allow users to post thoughts and updates about their life on the Web.//
 * //**[|Wikis]** - sites like Wikipedia and others enable users from around the world to add and update online content.//
 * //**[|Social networking]** - sites like [|Facebook] and [|MySpace] allow users to build and customize their own profile sand communicate with friends.//
 * //[|Podcasting]- a way in which teachers can deliver lectures, study guides, or thoughts to students by having them listen to audio broadcasts//
 * //**Web applications** - a broad range of new [|applications] make it possible for users to run programs directly in a [|Web browser].//"

As with any aspect of technology, the applications and examples of this definition will grow, expand, and evolve as knowledge and capabilities develop and new technologies emerge.

What impact will Web 2.0 have on the classroom?
 Web 2.0 will have a profound impact on the classroom and next generation of students. First and foremost, the majority of students in our classrooms are digital natives and are fully comfortable in a fully interactive online environment, and they are digital pioneers, meaning that they are often the first ones to try out new technology that is made available. Their information processing and collaboration skills encompass the use of online tools such as wikis, blogs, chats, and podcasts. The educational system that utilizes such tools in a daily classroom will enhance the curriculum and encourage students to become more fully invested in the classroom lessons. Web 2.0 is the natural evolution of the internet and its usage in the classroom, as well as lessons and models regarding its use, will make them responsible and careful users of Web 2.0 technology.

The impact of Web 2.0 will be as varied and as uneven as any other technology that has flowed into the classrooms of this country for the last two hundred years. In some districts and individual schools, the use of computers and the Internet is already taking over from previous technologies, such as overheads, Smart Boards, books, and the lowly chalkboard. Overall, this is to be applauded, but there is a danger here as well. More than most other technologies that have been incorporated in the past, Web 2.0 is highly resource-intensive. While many of our students in this country will migrate easily to this new learning system due to their exposure to a variety of gaming systems and their home computers, there are still large number of students without this kind of background. Typically, those very same students attend a public school without the monetary resources needed to take advantage of "a fully interactive online environment". So as we discuss our journey into this wondrous new world that is opening in front of us, it is important to realize that not all of our students will have access to the same passports.

In addition, Web 2.0 has the potential to impact how the teacher works and prepares for lessons. Through the collaborative use of wikis, teachers can work with colleagues to develop powerful lessons, resources for students to use and on professional development. The wide selection of online software and platforms for publishing also allow teachers to supplement and personalize their coursework for students.

With web 2.0 in the classroom students will be better prepared for the technological future. Technology will not regress and neither will our student comfortability with it. Technology is becoming not only a tool in our classroom but a field of study. It will be like teaching students how to write a check. We will be teaching them real world skills that they will be using in their daily life. These are skills they will need and it will be our responsibility to teach them how to use it responsibly. Moreover, we will be making our teaching relevant to our students by using web 2.0. They are growing up in a world where blogging, podcasting, and social networking is already a part of their daily life. By teaching them how to use these technologies and improving their skills, we will be better preparing them for the jobs that will be available to them in the future.

Here is a link of on the impact of Web 2.0 in the classroom. [|Imapct of Web 2.0 on the 2007 Classroom]

What impact is it having on today's students?
 Today's students expect information at their fingertips. Now if they have a question, the first source they turn to for an answer is the world wide web. As the technology continues to evolve, students no longer even need a computer to surf the web and stay connected. Students today are keeping in touch with each other and connecting in ways that were never possible before. They use social network sites like MySpace and Facebook and are beginning to use virtual environments like Club Penguin and SecondLife. Students keep in touch with each other through text messaging, do remote blogging, etc. It is also not uncommon for them to respond to what they view on the web as most blogs and articles allow comments, and even Youtube is accepting video responses to the material on its site. The real evolution in online publishing is occurring as students go beyond just commenting on the blogs of others, but rather embarking on the creations of their own blogs. The beauty of Web 2.0 tools is that one needn't be an expert in any one given field. Students are finding that they set up blogs, wikis, and podcasts about a variety of topics ranging from school related interests and extracurricular activities. It gives students a great avenue to develop their creative talents as well as their abilities to work collaboratively in groups.

What seems to many to be emerging technology labeled as Web 2.0 will soon be "old hat" and what is the norm to today's students. They will not know a world that did not allow them to make contributions to content and add to the conversations taking place on the internet. It will be their expectation that these new technologies will be part of their classroom environment. The challenge will be for today's teachers to implement these familiar technologies in educational settings.

More important however, is the economic impact it will have on students who properly learn to use the tools available. Part of receiving an education is to prepare for economic independence, and in tomorrow's workplace (and today's), Web 2.0 skills are invaluable. The ability to learn through virtual trainings and environments, to publish and respond on blogs, coauthor wikis and social networking are all valuable in the workplace.

Will teacher training evolve with the web?
It should. Ultimately it will be up to the individual schools/districts to take it upon themselves and implement this technology to train the teachers. Once it's up and running, holding teachers accountable for completing a certain number of training hours is going to be the only way to get the veteran teachers and those who are not yet technologically saavy to participate. Districts may also consider creating a position for a technology expert, who can model the use of various technologies in the actual classroom and work with those who are reluctant to use technology. Many schools already have such professionals in place.

Teachers possess varying levels of technological expertise and may feel ill-equipped to integrate or replace traditional methods with those that are technology-enhanced. Many teacher preparation programs do not emphasize the use of technology as a tool for teaching, organization, assessment, or data collection. Teachers who do not receive technology-related professional development are less likely to infuse the curriculum with technology enhancements if there is no personal interest in using and producing technology. Administrators and district officials need to encourage their staff and employees to enhance their technology use skills as well. They should encourage teachers to embrace and use technology in their curriculum and should model this behavior at every opportunity. Teachers should be exposed to on-going professional development to make effective use of emerging technologies in the classroom. Teacher training must also include 21st century learning tools in order for teachers to engage students in learning. Teachers need to understand the "Rules of the Road", Cyber Ethics, Cyber Citizenship and Information Literacy so that they are able to convey those important messages to students in such a way that it is accepted, understood and internalized. Districts need to infuse 21st century learning into their teacher preparation courses. Ideally, district in-servicing could be done remotely by using Web 2.0 technologies such as Adobe Connect. Using this format districts could offer more frequent opportunities for online learning, district meetings, professional learning communities.

Click [|here] to see a short online class on Web 2.0 provided by HP online classes.

[|Larry Ferlazzo] sites some excellent resources for teachers wanting to learn Web 2.0 tools.


 * 1) [|Teacher Training Videos]
 * 2) Mobile Technology in TAFE
 * 3) Cool Cat Teacher Wiki
 * 4) [|Common Craft]
 * 5) [|Tim Davies' Blog] (you can print out one-pagers from here)
 * 6) [|HP Online] Classes
 * 7) [|Classroom 2.0]