Another technological phenomenon that has impacted online learning is the recent growth of Web 2.0 technologies. Web 2.0 does not refer to a particular online learning platform. Instead, Web 2.0 is about a wide variety of emerging technologies that are user-friendly, social in nature, and highly engaging to users. Examples of Web 2.0 technologies include Facebook, Blogs, Wikis, Social Bookmarking, YouTube and Photosharing sites.
These Web 2.0 technologies are helping to revolutionize online learning as they can help make online learning more interactive, engaging and fun. Web 2.0 promotes and supports a high level of interactivity and collaborative learning. With Web 2.0 technologies, online communication, collaboration and mentoring can occur around the corner or around the globe.
Web 2.0 is also about ease of use, access and affordability because most Web 2.0 technologies are low cost or free, and easy for the average person to use. Web 2.0 technologies have created a huge shift in the way people use and think about technology. Web 2.0 is fundamentally about using technology interactively to allow people to directly collaborate, create, and share content over the Internet.
Web 2.0 is sometimes also referred to as the “Read-Write” web or Social Media. Using the term “social media”, this video by Common Craft explains the basic principles and benefits of Web 2.0: www.commoncraft.com/socialmedia.
You can learn more about the most common Web 2.0 technologies by visiting the GO “Technology” module.
