Web+2.0

Andrew Menefee Web 2.0 Web 2.0 is an evolution of the way by which information is communicated over the web. Initially, users could only view web based content as pages were updated by their administrators. Today, a variety of tools and applications exist to facilitate, not only the presentation of information, but the interactivity of the user with the source material and even the administrator. Examples of these innovations include social networking sites, blogs, video sharing sites, and flash applications, among others. This new age of the internet, however, does not imply an update to existing hardware, but rather, new breakthroughs in coding and software. Google is at the forefront of this new age in cyberspace. With Google Docs, a fairly new service offered by the company, any writing assignment can be turned into an interactive learning environment. Using a free Google account, one can create documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. It can be used for Algebra homework as easily as it can be used to write a short story for English class. All documents are hosted online, and may be accessed from any location, from the computer lab to the smart phone. Every file is secure, as it is linked directly to your Google account. This, however does not mean that sharing your work is impossible. Simply by clicking the Share tab, one is able to share documents for viewing by peers. Collaborators can even be assigned to help edit your work! Google Docs automatically saves your work every few minutes, so you don't have to worry about losing it. The Revisions tab will keep track of your drafting process, allowing for the retrieval of previous incarnations of a body of work. Files created on Google Docs may be downloaded and saved as a number of different word processing files. Documents looks similar to Microsoft Word, though it lacks much of the formatting options of the Microsoft product, but its free. Additionally, the collaborative options available to users allow for the real time interaction between the student and the teacher, right there on the page. The generation of spreadsheets, using Google's system, like Documents, feels much the same as Microsoft Excel, and has even been described as more user friendly. Multiple spreadsheets may be generated and organized at the discretion of the user. There is even a discuss tab, where users sharing the same spreadsheet can chat about the document in a small windowed instant messaging service. This would allow science teachers to actively give feedback to students regarding projects and assignments involving the collection and cataloging of data. Presentations is much like PowerPoint. It remains quite simple and user friendly, and even includes an online presentation feature that can be watched by virtual attendees. With the advent of Web 2.0 and the innovation of social networking, the generation of student and teacher identities in a virtual classroom environment is more than possible, it's the cutting edge of education. A Twitter account could be made to update students on classroom events. A class Wikispace could be made to submit and monitor class projects, so students don't ever have to bring assignments to class. Not only is this an efficient way of keeping one's grade book organized, it also keeps the students just as organized and less stressed to remember what to bring to class on what day, making class more fun for everyone. Social networking sites typically provide a very structured template for how a given profile is constructed. On Facebook, the written word goes on the notes section, a Wikispace could easily be created to accommodate assignments and journal entries, much like a rudimentary version of BlackBoard. Students could then customize their own class blogs to further engage in the material. The teacher could host flash games, quarterly writing contests with rewards that affected the classroom. They could even start a literary web magazine online, featuring submissions by the students! Flash video hosting websites like Youtube could easily play into the online classroom experience. Students could share video blogs or create class projects using the video medium to illustrate a specific point, or class lesson, which could then be assessed by the teacher. The teacher could broadcast video blogs of himself, to the students, online lectures the students could watch for homework to discuss in class the next day. This gives the student the opportunity to work on other assignments, while watching or listening to the lecture. It is up to the teacher to decide how entertaining a given video will be. The applications of Web 2.0 in the classroom are absolutely limitless. With the globe moving through the digital age, it is imperative that technology be integrated into the important facets of the lives of the next generation, as opposed to seeming old and draconic. In order to raise the proficiency of students, learning must be enjoyable, valued. In order for it to be valued it must be approached as an art, one in constant flux with the pulse of society. The children will define the education standards of the next generation. It's time to raise the bar.