Some thoughts on Web 2.0

Prior to the start of the Literacy and Technology class, I had never heard the term "Web 2.0," but I had been using it to some degree. Recently, I created a Facebook page and have since become an addict. I was resistant to joining Facebook because I really didn't understand the purpose of it. Now that I have the page, I'm amazed at the way it connects me to my friends, family, and acquaintances. For example, today, I viewed the YouTube Clip on the course website, "Shift Happens." I thought many of the people I know would find it interesting. Prior to my Facebook page, I would have composed a new e-mail and attached the link. Then I would have sent it to the people who I thought would find the clip interesting. The would have had to open the e-mail and click on the link, which would then take them to YouTube. That is the Web 1.0 way of communicating. With Facebook, I simply posted the clip on my page and people can choose to view it right on the page. If they like the clip, they can post it on their site for others to view. This new way of information sharing is Web 2.0. It allows for a method of sharing and organizing the information on the web in a type of collaborative community.

How will Web 2.0 affect the world of education? The possible applications are endless. In my future classroom, I see Web 2.0 being used to link the teacher, parent, student, and administrators in a network of communication. In the past, when the classroom door closed, communication only existed between the students and the teacher. If the parent wanted to know what was going on in the class or how their student was doing, they would have to place a telephone call to the teacher. Who would have to call the parent back. The same scenario exists with the principal or other colleagues who collaborate with the teacher. With Web 2.0, the teacher can create a site which, in effect, allows the door to the classroom to remain open at all times. The parents can monitor what their children are learning about. Classroom happenings can be posted on the site. The teacher can list all assignments and all materials and references needed to do those assignments. In addition, the teacher can list all grades so that the parents can monitor their child's academic progress. In turn, the teacher can use the site to communicate concerns about their child and ask the teacher questions. Web 2.0 will empower all those involved in the education of a child by linking them together through easily accessible information while providing a framework for group communication and feedback.