Web 2.0

Introduction:

Web 2.0 is a broad term that describes a world wide web that is more connected and interactive than the first web generation. The first web generation (Web 1.0) had static pages of text and images that communicated information in on direction: from designer/publisher to customer/information consumer. The difference now, is that you do not have to be a person with any money to publish. There are many free sites and new applications such as wikis, blogs, websites, social networking sites, podcasts, and video creation sites that gives a larger voice to the common public. Web 2.0 innovations have also opened the minds of educators to new ways of thinking about teaching and learning.

Consider the following questions that focus on connecting instructional strategies to Web 2.0 technology:

1. What instructional strategies would fit well with using blogs in the classroom? Why?

- Collaboration - students and teachers could post comments to one another's posts

- Inquiry - students could blog about their understanding of questions they've posed, or even comment on what others have discovered

- Idea based - the teacher could state the big idea/metaphor, and students could blog about how this idea could be applied to another area of their life, or blog about what questions this understanding leads them to


2. What instructional strategies would not fit well with using blogs in the classroom? Why?

- Didactic - however, this strategy could be modified to incorporate blogging. For example, the teacher could teach the information, and the students could come up with examples and post them on their blog. This would broaden student's perspective on how this rule/information can be applied

3. How could you see Blogs being used in your classroom with your subject matter?

- I could see myself using blogs to enhance science discussions in middle school science. I have found it difficult to stimulate rich discussion on a topic where students respond to one another's ideas. I believe there may be several reasons why this seems to be so difficult. One reason could be lack of think time during a live discussion. Another reason could be the level of risk involved with sharing your ideas aloud with others. I think if students were to respond to each other's blogs a more interactive discussion could take place because these barriers would be minimized.

Traditional Websites vs. Blogs

What are some differences between a traditional website and a blog?

A traditional website predominately communicates information in one direction: from the website creator to the public. One major difference between a traditional website and a blog is a blog allows opportunity for two-way communication. A blog creator, and whomever they add as an author, will post information on their blog. Members of their virtual audience may post a comment and a rich dialogue may ensue. I view traditional websites as places to go to get information, like going to the library to check out a book. In comparison, visiting a blog would be like participating in a book club or literature circle: people with a common interest can share information and receive feedback from others.

Another difference between a traditional website and a blog is the level of networking that can be achieved. A blog allows people to comment on others' thoughts and for relationships to be built. People of similar interests can follow others' blogs and blogs can also be linked together to create virtual communities. A website is practically unedited or altered by those who view it. The only connection made is usually to a contact person for the site. Greater communication and opportunity for networking are two major advantages of a blog versus a traditional website.