What+is+Web+2.0

=Web 2.0=

Have you heard of the term Web 2.0 yet? It's the newest term to describe the ever-evolving internet. A few years ago the internet was mainly read-only, where websites only allowed users to read the online content. Now the internet has become more of a social environment saturated with multimedia and interactive websites. New emerging technologies such as blogs, wikis, social networking communities, social bookmarking, podcasts, and RSS feeds make sharing information as easy as clicking a few buttons.

How are other people using these tools in their classrooms? See some examples.

"Where do I begin?" There are many forums dedicated to the way technology is changing education. Visit this page for some links to reading materials.

The Digital World:
Much has changed in the world since most of us were in school. Like it or not, we, as educators, must accept the fact that our students are growing up in a digital world that simply did not exist when we were kids. Many of the tools available today did not even exist 10 years ago. Students know more about technology than their teachers and are using these Web 2.0 tools everyday outside of the classroom. It has become difficult enough trying to keep up with them, let alone surpass their abilities with technology.

Today's students have been referred to as "digital natives" - growing up with technology and information - while many of us are considered "digital immigrants", since we are having to adopt this technology later in life. We should not be so concerned with learning new technology skills now just for the sake of technology, but rather on how we can leverage our students' experience in the classroom by incorporating new tools that inspire enthusiasm and creativity.





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