Web 2.0, Social Software
What are they?
Web 2.0 and Social Software are generic terms for a group of tools that are socially focused and encourage user created content. Perhaps the most famous web 2.0 application is Wikipedia.
Other tools that can be classed as web 2.0 include Blogs, Collaborative word processors, Collaborative writing tools, Mashups, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, RSS, Social bookmarking, Social networking, wikis. New tools in this area are being developed all the time so this is not a comprehensive list.
Follow the links above for more information on an individual tool.
There is a list of articles about Web 2.0 applied to Education at the ICTology Blog.
How can I use them with my students?
The main difference that the use of Web 2.0 or social software tools makes to most teaching scenarios is to shift the creation of content from the teacher to the student. For suggestions related to specific tools, follow the links above.
Examples
We are still researching examples and case studies for this topic. If you would like to contribute any (whether from your own teaching or from other sources), please contact us.
Where can I get them?
- http://www.go2web20.net/ A directory of web 2.0 applications and services.
