Web+2.0+tools

Web 2.0 tools are the newest way to use the Internet. What I love the most about the tools that I've tried so far is that they are super easy to learn and they can be used without downloading anything onto my computer. Plus, the absolute best part is they are FREE!!

Web 2.0 tools have made the Internet a 'platform' as opposed to the 'medium' it once was. We used to do our work on our desktop computers and then use the web to send it to someone or to post it as a personal web page. Now we do our work ON the web. The platform changed from being our desktop computer to the web. Now, with web 2.0 tools we can do almost anything we can imagine, and share it with the world. [|(http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/597)] media type="youtube" key="6gmP4nk0EOE" width="425" height="350"

In an article by Alexandra Krasne on [|Techsoup.org,] she states that “Web 2.0 is the moniker for an emerging set of Internet-based tools and an emerging philosophy on how to use them.” Krasne says that, “The philosophy of web 2.0 tools focuses on the idea that the people who consume media, access the Internet, and use the Web shouldn't passively absorb what's available -- rather, they should be active contributors, helping customize media and technology for their own purposes, as well as those of their communities.”

The list of web 2.0 tools is very long and continues to grow every day. Some of the most well-known tools are wikis, blogs, RSS, tags, social bookmarking, widgets and ajax applications. Within these tools there are numerous sites that offer these services. For example, a person can set up a wiki from wiki spaces or [|tiddlywiki.] Blogs can be set up through [|edublogs] or [|Technorati]. The [|article] by Krasne explains in very easy-to-understand terms what each of these tools can do.

Web 2.0 tools can be very useful for teachers. Jim Gates from the Capital Area IU is a leader in the use of web 2.0 tools in the educational setting. I attended his workshop at PETE&C and have book marked his sites. He really recommends using [|"flickr"] to upload and store photos because it has the capablility to tag the pictures which can then be grabbed by [|splashcast] to make a quick video. On his [|home page] he mainly lists the most popular web 2.0 tools and their links. But what I found most useful was his [|tiddly wiki] site where he really gives insight into what web 2.0 tools are and what they can do for education. If you have some time, check out the web 2.0 slide show to get a very thorough presentation of which tools can do what things.

Lastly, there is a a web developer named Brian Benzinger who has several articles on [|solutionwatch.com] that are totally dedicated to web 2.0 tools in education. Benzinger states that he personally researched and tested his list of Web 2.0 products and guarantees they are the most helpful online products and services that can help students, teachers and administrators alike. The tools are grouped into two main categories: “Tools”; and “Office Applications”. Some more specific services include: organizers, gradebooks, research tools, document managers, diagrams, and more One last place that you should bookmark and visit is [|Google for Teachers]. (web 2.0 tools and more - FREE)



Web 2.0 Tools Full Abstract