Like many, I have started utilising the more interactive and dynamic applications of web 2.0 to socialise and share information with family and friends around the world. These applications have been very useful in sharing experiences and information quickly with my small community on the web. Some of these applications e.g Skype have been an invaluable tool in communication with family and friends overseas.
Compared to the static nature of web 1.0, the newer web 2.0 style applications (e.g iGoogle) have not only given us a fun and interesting way of networking, but also allowed us the ability to create our own content. Web 2.0 now allows many artists, who ordinarily struggle to find a platform for their talents to present their content for free, to many. I also regularly read a number of blogs from talented writers who are now able to share their ideas in a more immediate way without the need for a book publication.
As for our students, web 2.0 brings about many ways for students to publish their work and network with other students. It gives students an ‘audience’ which can make their work more meaningful. The use of Wiki’s for handing in assignments and presenting work is also very useful.
Despite all the good things about web 2.0 it does, however, raise concerns about privacy and the misuse of content. One of the videos in this module stated that ‘we are in control’ with regard to web 2.0 and publishing our own content. Although this may be true in the sense that we are no longer stuck using static websites, it doesn’t necessarily apply to being ‘in control’ of how the content we present is subsequently going to be used. So many students and teachers have seen the lack of control an individual has once something is published on the web and is later misused for bullying purposes. It is essential that we educate our students to think for themselves, critically evaluate the content published on the web and understand the dangers that come with it.
Compared to the static nature of web 1.0, the newer web 2.0 style applications (e.g iGoogle) have not only given us a fun and interesting way of networking, but also allowed us the ability to create our own content. Web 2.0 now allows many artists, who ordinarily struggle to find a platform for their talents to present their content for free, to many. I also regularly read a number of blogs from talented writers who are now able to share their ideas in a more immediate way without the need for a book publication.
As for our students, web 2.0 brings about many ways for students to publish their work and network with other students. It gives students an ‘audience’ which can make their work more meaningful. The use of Wiki’s for handing in assignments and presenting work is also very useful.
Despite all the good things about web 2.0 it does, however, raise concerns about privacy and the misuse of content. One of the videos in this module stated that ‘we are in control’ with regard to web 2.0 and publishing our own content. Although this may be true in the sense that we are no longer stuck using static websites, it doesn’t necessarily apply to being ‘in control’ of how the content we present is subsequently going to be used. So many students and teachers have seen the lack of control an individual has once something is published on the web and is later misused for bullying purposes. It is essential that we educate our students to think for themselves, critically evaluate the content published on the web and understand the dangers that come with it.
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