Web 2.0 is moving away from the idea that browsing the web should be a process where users view material published on the internet by web page developers, and is moving towards an idea where users create content that is accessible on multiple platforms and devices. Web 2.0 applications include social networking sites such as Facebook (where the content is user-created profiles and groups), Dropbox (where the content is users’ files and folders), Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia where users provide the content for articles), and Screenr (a web-based application where users create online videos and tutorials). In these cases, the websites merely serve as a tool for connecting with the world, sharing your information, and interacting with the web in ways that make sense to you, the user. This new way of designing websites and tools is in sharp contrast to the “web 1.0” format of web designers dictating the content of any given page.
As I mentioned above, one of these Web 2.0 applications is Dropbox. Dropbox allows users to share files and folders to any computer or smartphone they have access to. Dropbox also has a separate folder that allows users to share files with anyone who has a specific link. One difference between Dropbox and the other web 2.0 applications is that it is not an application that is used through your web browser; you must download Dropbox onto your computer in order to use it. One of the biggest advantages of Dropbox for teachers is that it acts like a USB drive that you do not have to physically carry around with you, so you have one less thing to remember going from home to school and back. Another advantage is that unlike USB drives, it doesn’t matter if your home computer is Mac and your school computer is Windows based, Dropbox works across platforms. The “Share” folder in Dropbox, which gives a link to files in the folder, could be useful for teachers to post worksheets that they handed out in class for students who misplaced them or were absent that day.
Screenr is another popular web 2.0 application. Screenr allows the user to record and share a video of what is happening on their screen (screencasts). The user can also use a microphone to overlay their own voice or other sound on top of the video. One use of Screenr for educators would be to include their own audio on presentations that they have available online. For example, not only would students be able to view PowerPoint presentations, but they could also hear their teacher talk about the presentation as they view it.
You hit the nail on the head regarding all 3 tasks. Job well done!
ReplyDelete