Tim O'Reilly, one of the originators of the term web 2.0, was asked to "put to rest for once and for all" his definition of Web 2.0 by Kamla Bhatt. His answer, recorded and posted on YouTube, was "...the network is the platform." He also gave his cardinal rule of "the user adds value." He added that "figuring out how to build databases that get better the more people use them is actually the secret sauce of every web two - oh company."
Paul Anderson's research (2007) on Tim Berners-Lee and Tim O'Reilly led him to the following definition:
"...an umbrella term that attempts to express explicitly the
framework of ideas that underpin attempts to understand the manifestations
of these newer Web services within the context of the technologies
Which one is correct? Both of these definitions are as right as any definition because there is no one official meaning. The 2.0 portion of the name represents the fact that what is being discussed is the next or an updated version of the web. The word, however, is not as important as what it embodies. It is a term that has come to include many user-created pieces such as blogs, wikis and social networking sites. These "Internet-based software programs" have "...content created by regular users [that] can be much, and sometimes almost all, of the value from a website" (Hargadon, 2007). In my research, I found the following graphic representation on a wiki about web 2.0:
One of the skills educators must teach the students to prepare them for the 21st century world is how to differentiate between the online world and the real world. Security and online safety is one of the biggest concerns cited by those against blogs and other information sharing tools in the classroom. This is a real concern; however, it doesn't say to me that the tools should not be used or discussed at all. It instead offers a perfect opportunity to teach our 21st century students how to be responsible and safe while they also learn and begin using those skills necessary for success in a 21st century world. Storytelling, processing information, media literacy, thinking critically to problem-solve, working in teams, self-management and decision-making are just a small sampling of the higher-order skills our students will need in their arsenal as they prepare to take on the world outside of the traditional classroom.
We can easily remove one of the perceived challenges educators of the 21st century student face. Instead of trying to "catch-up" to students who are more advanced in the use of technology, teachers can work along with them. There are many examples of other educators who have already been successful. Teachers new to the idea will have an almost immediate online support group as they navigate through "the age of engagement."
Educators from around the world are realizing the benefits of and the opportunities that these tools are providing. The 21st century student is experiencing his world in an entirely different way than the student of just ten years ago. Perseus Development Corporation, a web survey company, found in 2004 that 52% of blogs are created and maintained by 13 to 19-year-olds (Twitter, 2004). This was a high percentage four years ago. With the numerous blog-publishing sites and the increased use of sites such as MySpace, Facebook and other social networking sites with blogging capabilities, this number has undoubtedly increased significantly. When you have teen-agers writing on average more than 2,000 words in a blog, one has to wonder why a teacher would not want to explore the use of blogs in the classroom.
We will look briefly at two of the most common web 2.0 tools that lend themselves to high user involvement, contribution and collaboration.
Blogs
Weblogs, most often shortened to blog, provide a space to write about any subject. Likened to an online diary, authors can put down their thoughts on any matter. Most have settings that allow the author to determine who can read and/or make comments about the blog. There are several blog-publishing sites for general use; there are also some specifically designed for educational uses. Although there are a plethora of websites with information on blogs, many educators wonder where to begin. The commoncraft Show by Lee and Sachi LeFever is one place. The show is actually a video-short describing different web 2.0 tools "in plain English." Do blogs add anything to the classroom? Yes, if used responsibly and wisely, they can create a classroom extension that greatly benefit the learning experience.
Educators who utilize blogs have found out that blogs do following:
Wikis
Ward Cunningham is credited with creating the first Wiki in 1995 so that anyone would be able to publish on the web. A wiki, from the Hawaiian word wiki-wiki meaning quick, is a type of software that lets users create, edit and link web pages quickly and easily. Another commoncraft video offers an easy to understand look at the wiki. Looking at the characteristics of today's student, we know they are more involved when allowed to do something with the learning. Can wikis provide that sense of doing they crave?
A few ways wikis can be used in the classroom. (classroom2dot0 - Wikis)
This is just a quick look into the idea of web 2.0. A quick Google search of the topic will bring up a myriad of sites, articles, blogs, discussion groups, etc. It is advised that you just pick one and get started. I don't believe you'll be disappointed. Be sure to review the resources and links included in the citations page.
References
Anderson, Paul. (2007). What is Web 2.0? Ideas, technologies and implications for education.
JISC Technology and Standards Watch..
Bhatt, Kamla (2007). Tim O'Reilly on What is Web 2.0? [online] Retrieved March 17, 2008 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQibri7gpLM&feature=related
Freedman, Terry. (2006). Coming of Age: an introduction to the new world wide web.
Hargadon, Steve. (2007). The Invasion of Web 2.0. Retrieved March 17, 2008 from
http://web20ineducation.wikispaces.com/Intro
O’Reilly, Tim. (2006). Various Things I’ve Written. [online] Retrieved March 19,2008 from
Sturgeon, Will. WebWatch. Cheat Sheet: Web 2.0
Twist, J. (2004). BBC News: Teenagers reach out via web logs [online]. Retrieved March 17, 2008 from
http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/1/hi/technology/3774389.stm
http://www.classroom20wiki.com/Blogging
http://www.classroom20wiki.com/Wikis#toc17
http://teachertechblog.com/teachers-guide-setup-and-configure-a-student-blog-in-4-steps/97/