Response: "Web 2.0 and Classroom Research: What Path Should We Take Now?"

The World Wide Web aka the Internet has grown exponentially over the last twenty years.  The Greenhow, et al article explains that educational researchers originally thought that the Internet, Web 1.0 could be used an educational resource in the classroom to read and then write about.  Instead what has happened is Web 2.0 has emerged; users are now able to participate, collaborate, and distribute information online (Lankshear & Knobel).  Instead of just finding information users are Web 2.0 participants that are able to create and share information through various platforms (wikis, blogs, PLNs, etc.).

As teachers we need to adjust our teaching and learning as well.  Web 2.0 requires participation not only by students but also by the teacher.  Students need to learn that not all information on the Internet is true; they need to learn how to critically research.  Teachers need to teach students how to find reliable sources, rather than just believing any information able on the Internet.  All learners need to understand what it means to be a digital citizen and how to create an online identity and that once you put something on the internet it is on there FOREVER.   I think the most important part of this “new” digital age is everyone is learning.  Teachers can be students and students can be teachers to their peers as well as their teacher.  The willingness of all participants to be open to learning is what will bring us possibly to Web 3.0.

This work by Anne Marie Lanning is licensed under a
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