Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a term coined in 1999 following the introduction of technology that allowed internet users to interact and communicate beyond the static use of earlier web sites.Web 2.0 sites allow users to interact and collaborate through social media in a virtual environment. Examples of these include social networking, video sharing, blogs and wikis.

Inherently interactive, web 2.0 provides an invaluable resource to primary schools, and creates new ways for teachers to engage students. Similarly, it gives children the rare opportunity to have their voices heard on a global scale, with access to millions of internet users all over the world. Indeed, large amounts of research is now being conducted into the use of Web 2.0 within primary education. Will Richardson, in his book 'Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other Powerful Web Tools for the Classrooms' (2010) considers how this invention may change the practice of teaching:

"The web has the potential to radically change what we assume about teaching and learning, and it presents us with important questions to ponder: What needs to change about our curriculum when our students have the ability to reach audiences far beyond our classroom walls?"

Richardson, W. 2010. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. London: Sage 

The Department for Education similarly conducted their own research into the use of Web2.0 in schools, collating their findings into a document: Teaching and Learning with Web 2.0 technologies
Trial schools reported positive results, citing increased opportunities for "enriched teaching practice and improved student attitudes and behaviour as a result of integrating the technologies into curriculum areas". However, it was emphasised that educational focus needed to remain on the subject content, not on the technology itself.

Positive impacts of Web 2.0

• a change from teacher-centred to student-centred learning.
• more meaningful assessment, including publication to wider public audiences and peer review - both of which encouraged higher quality work from students.
• increased engagement of students, putting work into a context children were confident with.
• an increase in collaborative learning, including peers, experts, and parents/carers.
• supporting  SEND students through gaming, virtual classroom applications, and assistive devices. 

Negative impacts of Web 2.0

While Web 2.0 offers a wealth of educational opportunities, there are some challenges preventing some schools from accessing all these benefits. Access to technology and hardware is one of the biggest issues, with high set-up and internet costs a major prevention. Planning and implementation can also place demands on teachers time and create issues with schools' IT infrastructure. Lastly Web 2.0, with its global access and reach, can open the door to numerous safety issues, particularly for children. This issue of eSafety is discussed in my previous blog.

For a simple introduction and explanation to Web 2.0 you can watch the video below, entitled "Web 2.0 for Newbies":

Boom. Tell me that wasn't insightful!