Web+2.0

What is Web 2.0?
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The Internet was originally a text-based research tool that was primarily used by researchers and government officials to share data. With the invention of the first Web browser, Mosaic, the Web rapidly evolved to be a graphical resource of information for all people who had access via a computer with a modem. The "web" of hyperlinked information grew exponentially. People would "surf" the Web for information and entertainment. Creating documents to be accessed via the Internet required knowledge of HTML and FTP. Communication was one-way - //from// the Internet //to// the person.
 * The Evolution of the Internet**

The invention of new technologies has made it possible for people to create Web documents without knowledge of HTML and FTP. Blogs and wikis are both tool that allow anyone with computer and an Internet connection to create web pages and contribute to the vast store of information. What was once one-way communication is now multi-way. People are now not just "surfing" the Web, they are helping to expand the Web. They are sharing and collaborating with others using new "social networking" tools such as:
 * Web 2.0 ("Read / Write Web")**
 * Blogs
 * Wikis
 * Podcasts
 * Photo sharing
 * Video sharing
 * Cell phones
 * iPods
 * Social bookmarking

Victoria Davis, a computer science teacher in Camilla, Georgia, used a good analogy to show the importance of teaching students how to properly use and contribute to the Web. This is a quote from her paper entitled, "The Web 2.0 Classroom."
 * What does this mean for K-12 educators?**

> As students and teachers move into the Internet ocean, they should understand how to protect their identity, report inappropriate behavior, and communicate safely. This simple challenge has tempted many well-meaning educators and parents to completely shut students off from the real Internet world. This is a grave disservice. > > I liken this to having a saltwater fish in a saltwater fishbowl. If the intent is to release the fish into the ocean, the longer the fish remains in the fishbowl, the more difficult it will be for that animal to make it in the ocean where there are predators. > > As I use this analogy with my students, I explain to them that we are swimming on the shores of a vast ocean and that we have shark nets in place (filter, etc.). Just like it is possible for a shark to get through a shark net, it is possible any time we’re online to run into “sharks.” That is why they must communicate with the lifeguard (the teacher) and be aware. They also should know how to protect their privacy. In effect, good privacy skills will help camouflage them from sharks when they swim in the Internet ocean without me. > > I believe as a student nears graduation from high school, that a progressive strategy of Internet freedoms should be allowed so that when it is time for them to interact in the “real world” Internet that they can do so safely for a lifetime. Students who are not taught these skills become virtual “shark bait” in my opinion! Just as writing should be part of every classroom (even math), so should Internet privacy and safety skills. It is a ubiquitous skill that is essential for succeeding in today’s world.

Students will soon be part of the workforce that will need these skills:
 * Thinking critically
 * Analyzing and synthesizing
 * Communicating meaningfully and ethically
 * Collaborating with people virtually
 * Writing for a global audience

Educators need to prepare their students to research, communicate and collaborate via the Internet to keep them from becoming "shark bait" and because there is much to be gained from safe use of the information on the Internet as well as the opportunity of communication and collaboration with people from around the world.

[|Web 2.0 for the Classroom Teacher] - An Internet Hotlist on Web 2.0 http://k12online.wm.edu/Web20classroom.pdf http://aamcolorado.mscd.edu/LibDayPres/Intro.html - Video from presentation
 * Resources**