Blog 2.0 - Learning 2.0

Bryan Alexander (2006) says that the idea of Web 2.0 dates all the way back to the 1960’s and JCR Licklider’s thoughts on using networked computers to boost knowledge by connecting people. We are at the place where this is happening on an everyday basis. If you have a Facebook page, you can see how people are using these tools. Applying these technologies to the classroom seems to be taking a while to catch on. There are several ways to apply Web 2.0 technologies to the classroom.
These technologies are not just for entertainment or diversion from regular classroom learning. They can be applied to emphasize a learning skill (Lombardozzi 2009). Web 2.0 tools can help locate information, manage data, evaluate information, reflect on a topic, network with others, learn, and communicate (Lombardozzi 2009). These are all skills that students will need in the future. Students are interacting more than ever. In the hallways and classrooms, it is evident that they want to know what their friends are up to. During the summer, a student was injured in a motorcycle accident and within hours, if not minutes, there was a Facebook group dedicated to prayers for his recovery. They are constantly communicating. They seem to be creating as well. They post videos and slideshows to their social networking sites. They even make plans over the Internet.
What does this have to do with learning? They are learning from each other. They are working with other people to reach a goal, even if that goal is to meet at the mall. The key is to incorporate what they are using into the classroom. By using these tools, the students will not only be better prepared for life after high school but they will retain the information better. Including these tools in the classroom could increase their interest in school. The higher the interest, the more involved and more participatory that they might be.



Lombardozzi, C. (January 2009). Learning journal thoughts on learning in
organizations. Retrieved August 8, 2009 from http://learningjournal.wordpress.com
/2009/01/18/learning-20/

Alexander, B. (April 2006). “Web 2.0: A new way of innovation for teaching and
learning?” EDUCASE Review, vol. 41, no. 2 Retrieved from www.middlebury.edu.