1. What is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is the first generation World Wide Web. Web 2.0 refers to “web applications that facilitate
interactive information sharing”. It is online communication that utilizes platforms that facilitate
online sharing and interaction. Tools like blogs, podcasts and message boards are common Web 2.0
platforms.With Web 2.0, which is read/write, people have become active participants and content
creators. They not only find information on the Internet, but also create and share content
(Thompson, 2007).These new technologies have allowed users to easily publish content online and
to connect and network with people who share similar interest without regard to physical
location.Web 2.0 could be characterized by openness, user participation, micro content, knowledge
sharing, social networking and collaboration, and folksonomy.
Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning
Web 2.0 encourages students to reuse and remix resources as well as create new knowledge.
Students take an active role in learning, rather than passively receiving information from
instructors. Web 2.0 has the potential to create more interactive and powerful learning
environments in which learners become knowledge creators, producers, editors, and evaluators.
Web 2.0 technologies provide numerous opportunities for social interactions and collaboration
among students, teachers, subject matter experts, professionals. In personal learning environments,
individuals can take control of and manage their own learning, reuse and remix content according
to their own needs and interests, and interact and collaborate with others in the process of learning.
Benefits of using web 2.0 technologies in teaching
The study results indicate that the major benefits of using Web 2.0 technologies in teaching
include:
Interaction, communication and collaboration,
Knowledge creation,
Ease of use and flexibility, and
Writing and technology skills.
Most participants believed that using Web 2.0 technologies in teaching helps build a sense of
community, increases interaction and communication among the instructor, students, and other
people, and promotes collaboration and resource sharing. The following are some comments by
participants:
I think, if web 2.0 used correctly, they can help develop a better sense of connectivity between
students and teachers.
Afford students opportunities to connect and communicate with classmates and resources
throughout the world.
They reduce the distance between teacher and students.
Students learn about new ways of collaboration.
Students and teachers see learning as a more social process. It's not just the book and yourself;
it's collaborative meaning making.
Web 2.0 technologies help students become more proficient in writing and in the application of
technology.
2. Web 2.0 enhance my instruction
Many teachersdepend on how they are integrated their instruction. It can be enhancing by 4 main
ways or purposes, which Web 2.0 tools can bethought of in terms of enhancing instruction.These
are:
blogs to upload students oral presentation rehearsals and enable peer/instructor review and
feedback
wikis for writing to a general audience to teach strategies for concise communication and
for translating technical language into usable information
blogs for out-of-class discussions and “questions of the week”
blogs to efficiently cover a variety of readings; each student is assigned a specific
reading/chapter and posts an insightful blog entry on the reading to educate fellow class
members
Wikis for collaborative writing projects (e.g.,. research papers, journal articles, lab reports,
etc.)
blogs and wikis to upload additional course content that enhances textbooks; also used to
add more timely information when texts may be outdated
wikis to draft websites and/or student portfolios (formal web development software is
encouraged for final and formal websites or portfolios)
blogs and wikis to track and give feedback on semester-long projects
Collaboration Tools: For promotingcommunication to achieve a sharedgoal. Examples include
conceptmapping, wikis, shared workspaces,communication tools, blogs, andmicro blogs.
Content Delivery Tools: For sharingand supporting the presentation ofinformation in an
engaging format. Examples: presentation tools, video screencasts, tools to developnewsletters
and brochures, imageediting, cartoons and avatars, andsocial bookmarking.
Demonstrations of Learning Tools: For supporting student creation of products. Examples:
multimediaprojects, digital storytelling, andimages and graphics tools.
Professional Use Tools: For supportteachers in classroom organization,the development of
instructionalmaterials, and communication withstudents, families and colleagues. Examples:
teacher productivityand social sharing tools.
Using Web 2.0 Technologies in my Classroom
By using Web 2.0 Technologies in the Classroom, Its-
maximizes class time,
minimizes workload,
increases students’ understanding of the course content,
improves students’ performance in the course,
enhances students’ communication skills, and
Engages students in the classroom.
Web 2.0 tool can enhance learning; I believe the tool should be used.These tools not only help
students to identify and solve complex problems, but they help them to manage information in new
ways that in turn, through innovation help students to learn new technological skill sets that are
beneficial to them as they move along in their educational and professional careers.
