Web 2.0: the next phase of Internet usage
The way the internet has evolved since it was first developed for military use in the 1960s can be described as drastic. Ever since its development, its growth has been exponential. The size of instruments used to "contain" the internet has decreased by incredible proportions, and the size of the scope of the internet has increased beyond belief. While the internet was initially developed for mailing purposes, today its functions are as far as the eye can see and still more.
The internet's synchronous and asynchronous features help downsize the world and bring everyone that much closer. Synchronous features (meaning when people 
communicate in real time) include chat rooms, instant messaging, and video conferencing. Asynchronous features (those features not updated in real time) include listservs and forums. These features make up the concept of "Web 2.0:" the read-write internet of today which allows anybody with access to a computer to observe the goings-on of others or to create their own fuss. The beauty of Web 2.0 is that it has brought the world closer together with programs such as Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.
Along with these social networking sites, Web 2.0 allows access to tools of all sorts. As I am an elementary education major, I found the website GameClassroom particularly interesting. GameClassroom is a program that allows students to receive extra help in their studies, using state educational standards as guidelines for each activity. Students can choose between math and language arts areas, grade levels, and begin practice in specific skill sets of each area and grade. As a future teacher, this site is one to keep in mind for outside-of-the-classroom practice that students will enjoy and from which students will enjoy.
communicate in real time) include chat rooms, instant messaging, and video conferencing. Asynchronous features (those features not updated in real time) include listservs and forums. These features make up the concept of "Web 2.0:" the read-write internet of today which allows anybody with access to a computer to observe the goings-on of others or to create their own fuss. The beauty of Web 2.0 is that it has brought the world closer together with programs such as Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.Along with these social networking sites, Web 2.0 allows access to tools of all sorts. As I am an elementary education major, I found the website GameClassroom particularly interesting. GameClassroom is a program that allows students to receive extra help in their studies, using state educational standards as guidelines for each activity. Students can choose between math and language arts areas, grade levels, and begin practice in specific skill sets of each area and grade. As a future teacher, this site is one to keep in mind for outside-of-the-classroom practice that students will enjoy and from which students will enjoy.As stated in my previous entry, it is important to not rely too heavily on technologies. The series, Growing Up Online, illustrates the dangers of using technology too much, too soon, and too quickly. Former worries were based on sexual predators on the internet; today, the worries focus on cyberbullying, finding a niche in the wrong group (eating disorders and depression reinforcements), even dulled and undefined social skills. With a generation using computers and other technologies during most of its time awake, getting into cyber trouble is an all-too-likely possibility.
On a lighter note, web technologies help bring resources once unattainable to the forefront as instructional materials. Today's students receive the creme de la creme of educational technologies. Woohoo!
On a lighter note, web technologies help bring resources once unattainable to the forefront as instructional materials. Today's students receive the creme de la creme of educational technologies. Woohoo!
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