Web 2.0 in Education

Recently I started following Encyclopedia Britannica's Blog. I didn't realize that this encyclopedia founding father had gotten on board with this web 2.0 tool. I enjoyed reading a variety of archived blog posts, but stumbled across this one regarding the Web 2.0 movement in education. Steve Hargadon wrote this interesting article that put a spin on Web 2.0 as being a big "part" of the future of education instead of Web 2.0 definitively being the "future" in itself.

He provides his own simplified definition of Web 2.0 specific to education as the use of the Internet as a two way medium where content is not only consumed but created. Hargadon goes on to list and explain important educational benefits of Web 2.0. He cited: engagement, authenticity, participation, openness and access to information, collaboration, creativity, passionate interest and personal expression, discussion, Asynchronous contributions, proactivity, and critical thinking. These benefits are specifically related to those standards that are expected of 21st century learners.

A specific quote that I particularly appreciate is in reference to fears of teachers and the fact that just because these tools are available doesn't mean that students will acquire all of the positive skills that are waiting within.

"... it helps to remember that most of the character traits of Web 2.0 mentioned above are significantly enhanced, if not dependent on, devoted adults helping to mentor and guide students. Having ready access to information does not make one a scholar, but it is scholars that we must help to create."