Web+2.0+tools+abstract

Mindi Phelps Web 2.0 Tools

Web 2.0 tools are very cool, in my opinion. They are the latest and greatest tools available (for free) on the Internet to do so many useful, fun and educational things. 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.” Ultimately, web 2.0 tools can be of a great use and benefit to nonprofit companies, and especially schools/teachers.

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 tiddly wiki. 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 to teachers. Jim Gates from the Capital Area IU is one strong leader in the web 2.0 world for teachers. I attended his workshop at PETE&C and have book marked his sites. On his home page ([|http://home.comcast.net/~jgates808/web2tools.html]) 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. Lastly, there is a site http://www.solutionwatch.com/) t The author and creater, Brian Benzinger has researched and tested the 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.

Is there a threat? Well, as more and more open source-type web 2.0 tools become available, the companies who sell software packages may lose some business. I can imagine that web 2.0 tools that are open source might be a threat to web developers’ jobs because now we do not have to rely on some expert with a degree to write a program or update one, the entire web community can do that. Lastly, some of the programs that are collaborative and open to the public run the risk of people purposely changing information in the wrong way to ruin someone’s work. But even then, there is a way to either protect the work and/or track who updated it and when. I think the benefits outweigh the risks.

The cost for most basic tools is FREE!! Yeah, finally teachers have access to awesome stuff for free!! Some of the tools offer upgraded versions for nominal membership fees ($5.00 per month), but for the most part, it is all free.

I am really excited to have learned about these tools and have already been spreading the word throughout my school to look at current curriculum and how we can incorporate these innovative tools!