Web Two Point Oh!

Web 2.0 is a term that describes the web applications and changes in web design that allow for interactive use of the web and collaboration between users. This allows for information sharing, creation, and editing through applications such as social networking sites, video and picture sharing sites, blogs, online journals, wikis, web-based communities, and music mashing sites. This interaction is a major step from earlier web capabilities that only allowed viewers to passively view information on the web. When the term Web 2.0 was coined in 2004 to describe this interactive and ever changing world wide web, the "old," non-interactive world wide web of the past was termed "Web 1.0." Web 2.0 has revolutionized the way the world uses the internet. People can share their ideas and access information like never before. It is connecting people from one side of the world to the other. Classrooms have also become revolutionized by Web 2.0. Education is utilizing the tools, interaction, and collaboration Web 2.0 is providing in order to give students the greatest access to information, creativity, and each other. In today's world, children are growing up connected too the web. But even with the vast amounts of information and opportunities it provides to children, the new age of online life poses many threats to children. Just as the Frontline documentary presented, children can catch themselves in worlds of trouble by misusing the web and not knowing web safety. Because of the amount of interaction and exchange that Web 2.0 allows, children have increasing access to inappropriate material, dangerous people, and distractions.

In the field of teaching, as stated above, Web 2.0 is making a major impact. It is allowing teachers to revolutionize the way they teach and operate their classrooms. Students are now communicating with children in classrooms half way across the globe. As a kindergarten teacher, there is not much I can do with my students using Web 2.0, however older elementary age students can use online journals, blogs, and wikis for educational purposes in or out of the classroom. Web 2.0 allows for easy use of the web that is necessary for young children. As the teacher, Web 2.0 provides me with the simple but ever so necessary email, to collaborate and share information with other teachers and parents.



This is a short video about the arrival of Web 2.0. I like it because it makes a good point- the internet relies on US now, as opposed to us relying on it. Users create the content and participate in OPEN communication. Web 2.0 is opening doors instead of restricting its users. The WORLD is staying connected via Web 2.0. The video also provides a look at numerous different Web 2.0 applications.