What is Web 2.0 _ its imporatance_

Thanks Robin and DeAnne for commenting on my last blog. I appreciate the feedback and remarks. I like connecting to others, Thank goodness we have FaceBook now to stay connected.


As I write, remember the movie "You got Mail" (Tom Hanks).? It was fun film with a romance twist. At any rate, it is nice knowing my cohorts on a face 2 face level but it is also nice reading your email comments. I think when we use the Blog we are taking a chance, we are opening up our private world. Thanks for sharing and providing the feedback.

What I liked about this class is we were encourage to experiement, thanks for let me include you in my studies. Enough...Ok...I am going to attempt answering my third question

What is Web 2.0 and why is it important to understand how to use Social Networking Tools?

Introduction:
Prior to the fall 2008, I did not understand the meaning and the implications of Web 2.0, but now I believe Web 2.0 has an important role in life long learning.

Three important events changed my thinking on these resources: two WVU instructional design courses (Design Studio, IDT 750_ Whitehouse, School Networks, IDT 693 _ Ahern) and WV Higher Education Technology Conference.

During the Presidential elections of 2008, social networking tools played an important role in disseminating information quickly to individuals and their social contacts. Web 2.0 resources became a ‘cool’ user (learner) centered activity and an application platform to target and delivery specific messages.

For the motivated and life long learner, the Internet and its resources provide an ideal learning environment. Archives, libraries, and data sources are powerful search engines accessed easily. The information sources are vast, ranging from highly reliable and valid to misleading and favoring personal bias. The reader (learner) must distinguish the differences between ‘good and bad information’.

What is Web 2.0 Resources?

The best primer is Web 2.0 new tools and new schools, (Solomon, G., Schrum, L. (2007), International Society for Technology in Education.

Most readers may not be familiar with how to use web tools, but the average Internet consumer has heard the terms, blogs, wikis, Facebook, podcasting, tags, and recently the term Twitter. These are Web 2.0 resource tools.

Since the Stone Age, tools are an important technological advancement for man. The tool became instrument to help the individual. Tools are partially responsible in shaping and defining a culture and society.

In general, a tool is a useful work item. Just as we use a shovel, rake, and hoe to lay the earth bare, level the soil and till the soil and plants, Web 2.0 are tools for constructive learning.
I think of Web 2.0 resources as tools that help on-line individuals and communities gain access and share information. Web 2.0 resources contribute to practical knowledge and skills with others. It motivates others to action, entertain, and influence our thinking and learning. It keeps us in touch with others to share personal experiences and network.

Why is important to know how to use the social networking tools?
Reflecting on this course and my previous writings, I will share five themes or lessons regarding social networking tools application.

1. The first theme is an appreciation in the proper selection and application of technology. To use the analogy of the garden, to make a productive garden requires matching the learner (his learning constructs) to the tool (the garden) and project objectives (end garden product).

2. The second concept was an appreciation and understanding between learning design theory and creative self-designing prototype practices. Facebook is an ideal way to build common ground through staying in touch, entertaining, and expressing yourself creatively.

3. Third, recognize working collaboratively, especially in seeking feedback, in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. Wikis, Google maps, and blogs provide an opportunity for group / team collaboration.

4. Fourth, I discovered personal enjoyment in professional challenges required in planning, developing, evaluating a project especially as it pertains to an organization. If the goal is to store resources and influence the way other people think, Web 2.0 resources provide a way to communicate quickly but also provide a means to organize information, store data, evaluate and manage decisions quickly. Collaboration, engagement, and empowerment are central democracy tenets.

5. Evaluating Web 2.0 resources is valuable. They are cool, but require daily or weekly use to gain the skills and proficiency to see the results. You cannot simply build it and expect the masses to arrive.

Again,. readers please share your comments and thoughts....so I may incorporate.

frank