Web 2.0 and Possibilities for Educational Applications

Abstract

Web 2.0 is a metaphor for a spectrum of emerging novel Internet applications. Examples of these are blogs, wikis, social spaces, and podcasting. Spearheading these applications are innovative and creative individuals and successful internet companies, some of whom were virtually unknown even a year ago. They bring to the world not just novel applications, but also new ways of understanding the Internet. In this context, Web 2.0 is often seen as a 'paradigm shift' to a new level of human understanding and expectations of the Internet and associated technologies. How might education benefit form Web 2.0? Although it is becoming increasingly more obvious that there are developments that cannot be ignored and that will affect us in education by creating challenges and opportunities, the specific educational benefits from Web 2.0 are not currently very clear. This article explores ideas and practices in relation to Web 2.0 and suggests how these might apply in education.