Web+2.0+-+Chapter+1

The world has significantly changed since we went to school. The world is wired and accessible 24/7. There are constant changes to this digital world we live in. As educators, we need to understand changes in the web and how they reflect changes in the world around us.

As the the technology increases in the world, so does the dynamics within economics and societies. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times describes the world as flat due to 1) new technologies and new processes, 2) new ways of working and a new playing fields for doing business, 3) there is whole new set of people who have emerged and want to work. Business competition is intensifying around the world. Technology will help us to "connect and collaborate." Many countries are changing their educational structure to enhance their ability to keep up with these technologies so they will remain competitive. It is our responsibility to guide students with new ways of learning.

Web 2.0 is an invented term, coined in 2004. It encompasses the growing collection of new and emerging Web-based tools. They are not desk-top applications- people are using their browsers for access rather than installing software. Web 2.0 signals a transitions form isolation to interconnectedness. MAny people have access to these tools to edit, comment and polish a document collaboratively. These tools are effective for personal enjoyment as well as business. Blogging is an example of this Web 2.0.

The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) has identified four categories of skills to keep up with the global changes of technology: 1. Digital- Age Literary 2. Inventive Thinking 3. Effective communication 4. High Productivity
 * Basic, scientific, economic, and technological literacies
 * Visual and information literacies
 * Multicultural literacy and global awareness
 * Adaptability and managing complexity
 * Self-direction
 * Curiosity, creativity, and risk taking
 * Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning
 * Teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
 * Personal, social, and civic responsibility
 * Interactive communication
 * Prioritizing, planning, and managing for results
 * Effective use of real-world tools
 * Ability to produce relevant, high quality products

An exciting aspect of Web 2.o is that they are free programs that could replace traditional application suites for which schools ordinarily must pay.

Schools may also have a transformation on thinking. Instead of educating in the presentation-driven way these tools will encourage creativity, collaboration, and communication.

Here are some differences from the old way of doing things compared to the new way with Web 2.0:

Application based Web based Isolated Collaborative Off line Online Licensed or purchased Free Single creator Multiple collaborators Proprietary code Open source Copyrighted content Shared content
 * Web 1.0 Web 2.0**

Advantages of these new tools are interconnectedness, immediacy, interactivity, communications, and community.