I have been using Web 2.0 tools for some time but I didn’t exactly know that is what they were called. I love the fact that everything is becoming more collaborative. I can discuss news stories using News vine, I can post critiques and reviews on shopping websites and I can keep track of my friends all over the world using social networks. While I think this is great on a personal level I think it is even better on an educational level.
The idea that both students and educators share knowledge in both directions is very exciting. It gives the students a much bigger role in how they would like to learn the information that they need to know. Since the collaboration is being done on the Internet it means that the groups of learners can be much more diverse. The students can connect on a global level and share the learning experience with others all over the world. For me as an educator the best part is that I become a facilitator of the learning process and not a lecturer. This way the students learning is much more rich and deep as he or she is relating the learning to his or her own experience and not shaping it through the vision of the educator.
There are a few problems that I can see with Web 2.0 and educational uses. Besides the issue of accessibility due to typical Internet issues, I have say that security of many of the Web 2.0 apps is a little frightening. With the user being able to control the content that is going on the site it also means that the user has access to the code that is being run. This means that one student can disable or hack the site with a few keystrokes. A bigger concern is that much of the information being placed on these sites and apps are not verified for accuracy. Without proper training in verifying the accuracy of websites, a student may quote this blog as a scholarly text. Other sites do try to verify some data, but other parts remain subjective. Therefore, for educational purposes we, as educators, tend to rule out the entire site.
As for me, I tend to incorporate several Web 2.0 apps and sites into my educational plans. I already have plans for Zoho, as a collaborative tool for writing and presentations. Since students can work on the same paper or presentation at the same time the amount of time from research to completion can be shortened. The excuse of the work being left at home is also a thing of the past. Another item I plan to use is Ning sites to create a class page. I can post notes, assignments, homework and due dates. I can also have the students use a threaded post to ask and answer questions, not to mention that it is a great way of keeping parents informed of what their children are doing in school. I will also be continuing this blog and adding student features to it as well so that the students can begin to write and send their talent and views to a global audience. Hopefully, they will receive feedback from peers and other students from all over, thus increasing their knowledge and encouraging the continued practice of writing.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Post #7 – Second Life
I have been a resident of Second Life (SL) for only three months now. In that time I have done two major bits of research on using SL for educational purposes. The first was looking at different science areas or sims in SL and the second was a whole unit of study based in a virtual world. If you want to see the project that we came up with it is here: http://inrome.ning.com/
The project was about using a virtual world to have students create a walking tour of the ancient Rome sim in SL using information that they collaboratively created.
Another recent article, this time by Sanchez, (2009) states; “Students felt the Second Life environment perpetuated a sense of creativity. They enjoyed having a class assignment that was visual versus a text based assignment such as a term paper” (p. 32). This too makes sense as students are very comfortable with computers and see standard writing, reading, lecture and notes assignments as out of date and uninteresting. It is time that we as educators look at new forms and venues for teaching.
Another thing I have learned in exploring SL and researching these two projects is that using SL for educational purposes takes a lot of planning and buy-in from students. As one study reported, “To maximize the potential of the virtual world platform as a learning environment, educators should recognize its perceived value to students. In addition, they should consider their student’s opinions on their ability to use the system. Findings indicate that the “fun factor” is significantly related to acceptance and use. Taken together educators can pro-actively design the educational activities to ensure a greater likelihood of successful learning outcomes” (Shen & Eder, 2009, p. 231).
To complete your goals in using SL in the classroom the first consideration is to make sure that students are allowed to fully immerse themselves in the virtual environment. If they wish to create avatars in outfits that match the project so much the better. Further, students must be allowed to interact with all the media available in the environment for the most successful educational experience. Most educational sims in SL have a vast amount of interactive materials, games, demonstrations and even pop up films. Also the experience in the virtual world should also be as social as possible. Allow the students to interact with each other as well. Students will be encouraged to ask questions to one another and participate in discussions as the lesson progresses. SL allows both group and private Instant Messaging as well as voice communication.
A final thing that I have learned in using SL is that it teaches to multiple intelligences very well especially in the areas of those who learn visually, audibly, and kinesthetically. This is necessary in virtual worlds as Lori Mestre points out in a recent article, (2006) as the student population becomes more diverse so must the ways that educators teach, especially in our forms of communication. By taking the different learning strategies and multiple intelligences, today’s educators can build a much more creative and positive learning environment that is far more engaging to the material and better promotes learning and research skills (Mestre, 2006, p. 32).
But don’t just take my word for it. See for yourself. Here is a great web wiki of educational resources and projects in SL: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses
Also, here is a video that talks more about using SL for education:
Mengel, M (2007 August 10) Educational Uses of Second Life. [Video File] Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFU9oUF2HA
One final note; look around Second Life and find a group that interests you. There are hundreds of them and no two are alike. I joined up with a group called Happy Hippo. It is a group that teaches building, which is something I have wanted to learn in SL as I see myself as a failed architect. In SL I have an opportunity to build all the things that I was told could never be built. The problem is that building, even in SL is difficult. In doing some research for another project I came upon Happy Hippo. They are a group dedicated to teaching building to all levels and provide a safe, monitored environment that is suitable for younger students. There are several people in the site or on-line to answer questions and give advice. There are also several lessons each month on a different topic of building for every level of expertise. They are also very helpful in setting you up with mentors to let you see how the building process is done and let you help on various projects. My favorite part is the large sandbox area where you can attempt to build and create your own imaginative creations. Here is the SL URL:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kinetix/165/118/22
References
Dreher, C., Reiners, T., Dreher, N., & Dreher, H. (2009). Virtual worlds as a context suited for information systems education: Discussion of pedagogical experience and curriculum design with reference to Second Life. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 211-224. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Mestre, L. (2006). Accommodating diverse learning styles in an online enviroment. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 46(2), 27-32. Retrieved July 15, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Sanchez, J. (Feb/Mar 2009). Barriers to student learning in Second Life. Library Technology Reports, 45(2), 29-34. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Academic Search Complete.
Shen, J., & Eder, L. (Sum 2009). Intentions to use virtual worlds for education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 225-233. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Blog Post 6 - Communities of Practice
Communities of Practice (CoP) is a term that seems to have a very fluid meaning. Like some of the other concepts I have posted about, it seems that depending on the group the definition will change. In trying to understand CoP’s from an educational viewpoint I found a list of assumptions that CoP’s are based. They are that learning is, “Fundamentally a social phenomenon; knowledge is integrated in the life of communities that share values, beliefs, languages, and ways of doing things; the processes of learning and membership in a community of practice are inseparable; knowledge is inseparable from practice and that the ability to contribute to a community creates the potential for learning” (On Purpose Associates, 2008).
What this means to me is that we as a school, cohort and class we are communities of practice and that by creating lessons that are built on real world problems and encompassing real world technological solutions we are teaching knowledge not just understanding. It also suggests to me that by using forms of social media we can broaden or expand the type, size and number of CoP’s that are students are involved in to learn and create even more knowledge. Here is a video that explains this concept:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25ZINuOYm2s
Greer, J (2008 December 4) Community of Practice EDD 8123.wmv [Video File] Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25ZINuOYm2s
Another good example of this was a study by two researchers who determined that when students in a cohort form a CoP they tend to stay in that CoP even after graduation. Further these students will grow the CoP and form others to pass the knowledge that they have gained on and to find new resources as well (Shacham & Od-Cohen, 2009). What this suggested to me and was backed-up by the research in this study is that CoP’s are another way to create lifetime learners. By creating a community and using social networking our learners can connect with others that learn, think and believe the same things that they do. In doing so they share information, discuss it and create new understanding and knowledge. They also create a regular habit of this and become lifetime learners. Isn’t this why we teach?
An effective way to start teaching learners about CoP’s is having them set up and create a blog page like this one. From there, others in the class can be asked to respond and reflect on the others pages. In doing so, the original writer and the responding students will be assessing the information presented, putting it into their own thoughts and presenting alternate views or showing where there was useful original thought. These are also skills that are essential in the 21st Century work place. A 2009 study looked at this issue and found that by using blogs students had more time to reflect on others thoughts and challenge those opinions. The study participants also were able to discuss how theory could be used in actual situations and learn from each other based on the reflective responses (Yang, 2009).
References
Shacham, M., & Od-Cohen, Y. (2009). Rethinking PhD learning incorporating communities of practice. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 46(3), 279-292. Retrieved August 11, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Yang, S.-H. (2009). Using blogs to enhance critical reflection and community of practice. Educational Technology and Society, 12(2), 11-21. Retrieved August 11, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Post #5 - Social Media
In looking into Social Media the biggest problem that I had was forming a definition of what it was. In looking at ten sights I think I got eleven definitions. Everybody seems to have a slightly different take on just what Social Media is all about. Business sees it as a marketing tool, teachers see it as a new avenue for instruction, and students see it as a communication device. The only common thread in all these definitions seems to be that the media is somehow interactive. As Daniel Nations said in a recent article, “Think of regular media as a one-way street where you can read a newspaper or listen to a report on television, but you have very limited ability to give your thoughts on the matter. Social media, on the other hand, is a two-way street that gives you the ability to communicate too” (Nations, 2009). The rest of his article and definition can be found here: http://webtrends.about.com/od/web20/a/social-media.htm .
Although a little vague I think it sums it up pretty well. No longer do I have to go to a site and just read. I can now participate in almost every aspect. I can read the news and then post my comments or I can go to a store site and read customer reviews to help me decide if the item is the best choice for me. I can also go to Twitter and find news, opinion and commentary that is often faster and more up to date than that on television. I think that it is important to define social media otherwise how are you going to know what you are teaching?
So how can Social Media be used in teaching? The answer to that is in the definition itself. As Brian Solis, a writer and Social Media networking guru stated, “Social Media is, at its most basic sense, a shift in how people discover, read, and share news and information and content. It's a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologue, one to many, into dialog, many to many (Solis, 2007). The rest of his article can be found here: http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/2007/06/29/the-definition-of-social-media .
Using Social Media as a teaching tool means that we can change how our students discover and react to information. The students can then respond to this information using other Social Media and receive feedback and opinion from others. These are all critical 21st Century Skills that I have discussed at length. It also suggests a major shift in how teaching is going to occur. It seems to me that due to Social Media the idea of a teacher centered classroom of lectures, notes and tests is giving way to a student centered space. Here the student discovers the information on his or her own interprets it and posts it. Other students comment, give feedback and discuss the information and interpretation. The teacher in all this is a guide or mentoring figure how helps create a constructivist and collaborative learning environment. Here is a video of Clay Shirky discussing this idea in more global terms.
http://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_cellphones_twitter_facebook_can_make_history.html
Shirky,C (2009 June) Clay Shirky: How social media can make history. Posted to http://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_cellphones_twitter_facebook_can_make_history.html
A final point should be made here. One other aspect that needs to be taught is global ethics and responsibility. In working collaboratively you may not be working face-to-face or even with people in your own state or country. This can sometimes lead to miscommunication, using inappropriate language or cultural insensitivity. These issues need to be taught and understood before any learner begins to use any form of Social Media. I previously posted about young people posting videos of fights and vandalism on social sites. If students understood the ethics of such a posting and what it communicates to others there could be a decrease in such abuses. Here is Howard Gardner discussing this issue.
Gardner, H (2009 August 13) Education, Social Media, and Ethics: Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Posted to http://video.baamboo.com/watch/2/video/496387
References
Nations, D. (2009). What is social media. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from About.com Web Site: http://webtrends.about.com/od/web20/a/social-media.htm
Solis, B. (2007, June 29). The definition of social media. Retrieved August 12, 2009, from Web Pro News Web Site: http://www.webpronews.com/blogtalk/2007/06/29/the-definition-of-social-media
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Blog Post 4 – 21st Century Skills
I keep running across the phrase 21st Century Skills. I have even read a few articles about it in one of my other classes. Those articles were more about how we are not teaching these skills or doing so inadequately. Yet it wasn’t till I started researching deeper that I started finding what these skills are. I finally found that they are the cores subjects along with 21st Century Themes like global awareness, civics and economics. Learning and innovative skills like collaborative work, critical and creative thinking and communication skills. Next is Media Literacy, if you need to see more on this read the last post. Finally there are Life Skills, which are things like social skills, productivity, accountability and leadership (The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007). Here is a mind-map of this idea:
(The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007)
The problem that I am having with this model, and I think others might as well, is that these skills are being taught alongside the core curriculum. I f we are to truly teach 21st century skills then we need to be teaching them inside the core curriculum. What I mean is that teaching social studies in the traditional manner of textbooks, lectures and notes and then sending the students to a computer class does the student no favors. They would consider technology, creative thinking, innovation and other 21st Century skills to have no place in the core classes. Therefore in the work world which they would not be likely to use 21st Century Skills. If these 21st Century skills are blended into core classes so that the student is using technology, thinking critically and creatively, considering global issues when looking at past events these students are going to be more prepared for the work force upon graduation. In a 2008 resource and policy guide for 21st Century skills they said, “Advanced economies, innovative industries, and high-growth jobs require more educated workers with the ability to respond flexibly to complex problems, communicate effectively, manage information, work in teams and produce new knowledge” (The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2008). You can read the whole report here: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/21st_century_skills_education_and_competitiveness_guide.pdf
Here is a video that presses this point:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ehGLqzBVM
Weymouth High School (2009 January 27) 21st Century Skills: How Do We Get There? [Video File] posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_ehGLqzBVM
One skill that I think is missing from the list of 21st Century Skills is creating life long learners. As the technology and economies of the world change so will the knowledge that an effective employee will need to have. In other words the better employees will be the ones that keep educating themselves to be more effective. In looking at ways to do this I found several lists that said things like carry a book with you, meet new friends, teach others and find learning groups. The funny thing to me about these articles and lists is that not one suggested doing these things on line. They all seemed to assume that you could walk out your front door and find these things. With the new Web 2.0 tools and collaborative swing in business and web applications finding like-minded people, teaching and learning in groups is as easy as a few keystrokes. Check out this site to see how easy teaching and learning in groups in the new Web 2.0 can be http://www.wiziq.com/
The other thing that I wanted to know is what are the traits of a lifelong learner. The Plano School District lists these traits: Self directed learner, effective communicator, complex thinker, quality producer, responsible citizens and collaborative contributors (Plano Independent School District, 2004). These traits sound just like the 21st Century Skills. This shows me that by teaching 21st Century Skills not only are we making students ready for the workplace we are also making them lifelong learners. Here is a little video that talks about life long learning. He is emphasizing sales communication here, but it is still business communication.
Gitomer, J (2008 April 19) Life Long Learning [Video File] Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh6yd6wfCgU
References
Plano Independent School District. (2004). Life long learner traits. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from Plano Independent School District Web Site: http://www.pisd.edu/about.us/mission.goals/learner.traits.shtml
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (2008). 21st century skills education and competitiveness. A resource and policy guide (--). Retrieved August 9, 2009 from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/21st_century_skills_education_and_competitiveness_guide.pdf
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (2007). Route 21. Retrieved August 9, 2009, from The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Web Site: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/
Post #3 Media Literacy
When I started researching this topic all I could find was information on learning how to tell if someone in a commercial is telling the truth. That is not at all what I was looking for. I was looking for information on how students and others become proficient or comfortable using technology, especially new social media. Either there is an appalling lack of information of this subject or they are calling it something else. The best I can come up with is that it is Informational Technology Literacy or Tech Literacy. I avoided computer literacy as much a possible as I was trying to figure out how people use the information on the computer and not if they know how a computer works.
What I found is that there have been some studies to find out what students know about using information, programs and applications and how these students figure out how to use them. Many studies refer to this as Fluency in Information Technology (FIT). FIT is broken into three main categories. First is the basic concept of social and informational networks and how they work. Next is the ability to use programs or applications. Finally, there is the ability to use the information gained or to figure out how a program or app works. A 2001 study at Southwestern University found that students are independent thinkers when it comes to computers and they want to figure out programs and apps through play or trial and error. Few will read manuals or use tech support. If all else fails they contact friends for advice. Students see themselves as quick learners with a strong ability to retain information on using new media. The problem is as the study also shows that they lack any knowledge of basic computer skills so troubleshooting becomes very difficult. They want to learn media fluency but do not take the lead in doing so and most see computers as a place to play and are unskilled in on-line safety and virus protection (Fass-McEuen, 2001, p. 16). You can read the whole report here: http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/EQM0140.pdf
I didn’t really need a report to tell me this. I have seen first hand the realities of student’s media literacy skills several times. I have seen the inability to create an attachment in email. I have seen a student become overwhelmed by trying to narrow down informational searches or become frustrated at not being able to find any information. I like how this video describes my point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWzigkpR7y
Horney, E (2007 April 18) Discover Information literacy [Video File] Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWzigkpR7yg
So the question becomes what are we as educators supposed to teach to aid student in media literacy and fluency when they prefer to figure it out themselves? Two researchers feel that we need to teach Generic Skills (1998). They say that rather than focusing on teaching the specific program or app we should focus on other skills (Anderson & Bikson, 1998). I agree with this point in that the programs and apps are changing so rapidly to teach a student on app is ill preparing them for the future. One of the skills they suggest is connectivity. This is how a computer connects to others in a social network, where that information goes and who can see it (Anderson and Bikson 1998). In other words, awareness and safety. They also suggest logic in that most programs and apps operate in a similar logical fashion. (Anderson and Bikson 1998) This means that by teaching a few skills of logic the student will be better able to figure out apps and troubleshoot issues correctly. They also suggest some other good points that should be taught. You can read the full report here: http://www.rc.rand.org/pubs/papers/P8018/index2.html
Another viewpoint on this subject is very well put in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-KqDXHB__M
Linares, C (2008 September 3) The Case for Computer Literacy [Video File] Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-KqDXHB__M
References
Anderson, R., & Bikson, T. (1998). Focus on generic skills for information technology literacy (--). Retrieved August 8, 2009 from http://www.rc.rand.org/pubs/papers/P8018/index2.html
Fass-McEuen, S. (2001). How fluent with information technology are our students. Educause Quarterly, 36(4), 8-17. Retrieved August 8, 2009 from Google Scholar.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Posting #2 Learning 2.0
In my last post I discussed Web 2.0 and how it is a transformational source on many aspects of culture. One of the areas I mentioned is education. Whether you call it Education 2.o or Learning 2.0 is irrelevant in that it is using the tools and applications of Web 2.0 for education. This idea of collaborative and dynamic learning could completely change the way that education is delivered.
What I found interesting was that in looking for information on Learning 2.0 I found several definitions that were about on-line learning for training. I think this definition is a little outdated or near-sighted. Education 2.0 has the potential to be so much greater than just on-line classes.
If you need an example of what I am talking about check out http://www.wiziq.com/ This group brings teachers and learners together in a collaborative environment to create new understanding. As a matter of fact the educator may be a student who has a different or better way to explain the concept being discussed. What their video to understand.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yty0cPzlcU
WIZIQ77 (2007, October 11) Education 2.0 - WiZiQ Free [Video File]. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yty0cPzlcU
The possibility of what this group is doing is amazing as they are showing what Education 2.0 can really be. This could transform the entire way that education and learning information is disseminated. The idea of a traditional classroom may be going the way of dinosaurs and it seems to me that if educators want to survive this change then they had better start learning about Web 2.0 tools.
One way that we can see that this trend is coming is looking at the demographics of students that are in schools now. In a 2007 report to higher education the researchers found that not only are the drastic changes in the demographics students that are aware of social networking but that these changes are reason enough to change and adapt to Web 2.0 for educational purposes(Franklin & Van Harmelen, 2007, p. 19). One of the greatest reasons they argue for adopting this change is ability to collect the largest samples of raw data through collaboration and be able to use and refine that information for any discipline and create more knowledge than ever before (p. 27). In other words the ability to share raw data and findings in the same manner that one shares a song of or blog post has the ability to transform research and education. You can read the whole report here: http://staff.blog.ui.ac.id/harrybs/files/2008/10/web-2-for-content-for-learning-and-teaching-in-higher-education.pdf
If we go back to the original definition that I posted of Learning 2.0 it was about on-line learning. One criticism with on-line learning is that it is not truly interactive and just mimics the traditional classroom so it is not constructivist either. One area of Learning 2.0 is rapidly changing that and that is the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). A VLE could be created by the institution or use existing technology like Second Life. Another 2007 report states that that using VLE’s give students that ability to use school resources, find information and collaborate with colleagues. It also allows students to construct models, test theories and tailor the environment to the specific area being learned (Anderson, 2007, p. 33). You can read the full report here: http://ioptimizerss.com/Documents/What%20is%20Web%202.0%20-morebuyertraffic.pdf
So with all this information and research saying that this is the way that education should be moving why are we not going in that direction? According to Donna Baumbach (2009) there are many reasons. The tools are inaccessible or blocked at the school, lack of professional development time due to increased work-loads, lack of training on Web 2.0 topics and a lack of knowledge by educators that these tools exist (Baumbach, 2009, p. 15). You can read the whole report here: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/librarymedia/aasl/baumbach.pdf
It seems to me that the world of education is on the edge or a revolutionary change yet few educators realize that fact. It seems it is time that educators get on the web and start collaborating and learning from those that are already there.
Here is another view of what I mean:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFUJ0dShmjs
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Posting #1 Web 2.0
I was in a conversation today with some colleagues. Some of us were talking about the old days of the web. I mean the really old days where you had to dial into a mainframe and then gopher, Veronica or Archie to other computers. Those terms are as dead as the dinosaurs now and about as fondly remembered. We are now in an era called Web 2.0. A time where collaboration and user defined content is taking over the web. Many are calling Web 2.0 a revolutionary tool as it is changing everything from business to education to family relationships. I think Tim O’Reilly of O’Reilly Media really explains it well in this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQibri7gpLM&feature=player_embedded
Bhatt, K (2007, May 21) Tim O'Reilly on What is Web 2.0? [Video File] . Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQibri7gpLM
Let that soak in a minute; users add value and creating tools or applications that get better the more people use them. This is a surprise? Why has it taken the web this long to figure this out? Can you imagine anyone creating a shopping center with the belief that only certain people should be allowed in, or a school that has no projects, student groups or working together? Yet this is where the web largely was for the last several years. Large corporations putting massive content on the web and others soon follow so that it became diluted and common. Web 2.0 has changed that picture it is now us, the citizen of the web, that are determining the content, are working together using collaborative tools and are redefining communication through social networking.
I love how Stephen Fry explains Web 2.0. If you don’t know who Stephen Fry is, let me explain. He is half of the comedy team of Fry and Laurie (yes Hugh Laurie of House), he is also a dramatic actor and fantastic writer of novels, poetry and documentaries. He is also a great fan of Web 2.0. His point at the end where he points out that due to the rise of web technology the concept of “missing a moment” is gone forever. He was talking about missing a show on TV, but it applies to so many other facets of life. You don’t have to miss a meeting due to travel costs, you don’t have to miss a child’s first words and yes, you don’t have to miss that amazing double play at yesterday’s baseball game. All of this because we have found a way to upload, post and share these moments with people who are like-minded.
http://www.videojug.com/interview/stephen-fry-web-20
Understanding The Internet:
Stephen Fry: Web 2.0
Fry, S (2007, May 31) Stephen Fry: Web 2.0 [Video File]. Video posted to http://www.videojug.com/interview/stephen-fry-web-20
With the Web 2.0 revolution just beginning to hit its peak, many people are beginning to speculate what the next generation of web technology will look like. It depends on whom you read or watch because the next phase of the web is either being called Web 3.0 or Web Squared. Personally I like the web squared term as it connotes a mathematical change in the content of the web and not that the web has been redesigned. The one site that I have been reading is that of Don Hinchcliffe , who writes the Social Computing Journal. In his latest post Don shows what he thinks Web Squared will look like. It is much the same as Web 2.0, but as Don puts it, “With the knobs turned up” (2009). The chart on the post I think sums up his point the best. It shows that data that is input from users will have their own branches and streams where they are just straight lines now. This is an exciting prospect for the future, as no matter where we jump into the web we will have many more options to go and communicate.
This type of speculation may be a bit ahead of itself, as we still need to better define and refine Web 2.0 before moving to the next level. How many times have we seen on the news the scenes of young people filming fights or other random violence just so they could post it on the web? According to a New York Times (2007) article sites like You Tube are flooded with these types of films. It seems that before we move to the next level we need to make sure that the issues and concerns that are created with the predecessor are discussed and controlled, otherwise we may just make the monster bigger. Of course, others may say that that is not needed, as there is always a lag between new technology and reasonable action. I guess we will see, the next generation of web apps should be here soon.
References
Hinchcliffe, D. (2009, June 26). The Evolving Web In 2009: Web Squared Emerges To Refine Web 2.0. Retrieved August 4, 2009, from Social Computing Journal Web Site: http://web2.socialcomputingjournal.com/
Killgannon, C. (2007, Feburary 13). Teenagers misbehaving, for all online to watch. The New York Times. Retrieved August 4, 2009 from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/13/nyregion/13video.html?_r=1#
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