The world wide Web... 2.0

 

Web 2.0 is an upgrade from the Web 1.0 as it entails a more interactive relationship between a website and its user. The concept was created by Tim O'Reilly and it is used to descibe sites on the Web that are geared towards a dialogue instead of a one-way conversation between its users. It has been said that Web 2.0 is where the future of education is heading- to a more engaging and collaborative classroom (Hargadon). There are a few determining features of Web 2.0 vs Web 1.0 (Wikipedia)  they include:

• Folksonomy- free classification of information; allows users to collectively classify and find information (e.g. Tagging)

• Rich User Experience- dynamic content; responsive to user input

• User Participation - information flows two ways between site owner and site user by means of evaluation, review, and commenting. Site users add content for others to see

• Software as a service - Web 2.0 sites developed API to allow automated usage, such as by an app or mashup

• Mass Participation - Universal web access leads to differentiation of concerns from the traditional internet user base.

 

Part A: Web 2.0 Education

 

I have created an online book called an Ebook that details a few tools that classify as Web 2.0 tools. These are three tools that I can see myself using in my classroom. For each tool I depicted how the tool works, how it will benfit the education context and help remove barriers in the classroom. To access my Ebook please cilck here

 

 

 

Part B: Evaluating Web 2.0 Tools

 

Criteria 1

Is it appropriate tool for my age group?

 

It is important to choose a tool that the users of will be able to use to its full potential. I want to make sure that there isn't too much time the students are spending simply trying to figure the tool out instead of applying it to their studies. It is important that the tool's level of difficulty mirrors what the student is capable of achieving.

 

Critera 2

Is it intuitive?

 

This criteria is similar to the last one in that it reinforces the simplicity and use of the tool instead of what the tool can accomplish. There are some tools that are better equipped for certain tasks, such as Office Word. Word is great at writing and utilizing words, but it is extremely inefficient when creating Venn Diagrams. Make sure that you find the best tool for what you want your students to accomplish, task wise. 

 

Criteria 3

What do I want my students to use this tool for?

 

Criteria 2 leads us directly to the next point. What is it that you want your students to use this tool for? There are many tools that are able to produce many different tasks. Do you want your students to think generally or do you want them to hone in on one specific skill that they will use this tool to sharpen? Another way to frame this question, is: " what is your student's goal?"

 

Criteria 4

How reliable is this Web 2.0 tool? 

 

There are tools that are online today that will be offline tomorrow. The future of an internet tool is never quaranteed. Thus, it is always important to research about the tool itself and the maker of it and have an understanding of the tool's credibility before using it in the classroom.

 

Criteria 5

What learner skills can I have my students develop by using this tool?

 

This question is perhaps the most important of all, because as we all know, technological tools are not supposed to act as the what of learning on their own, they are merely used to support the student to the development of a new skills. I.e. Communication skills, writing skills, research skills. All these skills can be practised and enhanced using Web 2.0 platforms, and it is the teacher's duty to pinpoint the certain skill that the student needs to learn and find the right tool to help them.