Web 2.0

Watching the 2.0 videos made me realize how much I do not know about Internet applications, and how 2.0 changed the way we interact and communicate using the Internet! Two months ago, as far as I know, Internet interactivity could only be created by using technologies like AJAX, JavaScript or Flash. So far, and after trying multiple web 2.0 applications, I noticed that they share few common characteristics, such as a user-friendly interface which is easy to navigate and loads quickly. More importantly, web 2.0 applications are addressing many Internet user needs, in particular to do things faster such as communicate, organize, transfer, and share content in a collaborative environment. This will lead to better and more accurate results that can be accessed by multiple users from any computer with Internet connections around the world.

Although Internet users tend to use applications that they are used to using, in my opinion and based on the quality and speed of some of the web 2.0 applications that I tested and used, it is no longer a matter of Internet users choosing whether or not to use 2.0 applications. In his article Orlowski (2009), stated “Many people were so keen to believe that Web 2.0 would make the world fairer that they rejected any evidence to the contrary”.

Web 2.0 skeptics thinks that sharing personal or work related projects on the Internet is dangerous.  In her article Luckin (2009) stated, “Whilst most expressed an interest in using online technologies to support familiar school activities, such as presentations or for communication, learners seemed cautious about other values associated with Web 2.0 tools, such as the shared construction of knowledge in a public format”.

Internet users are spoiled! They always look for the better and the easier. They demand the latest in technology, anything that can move them forward. Furthermore, globalization, the development in technology, and world competition raised the bar on both application developers and users. Consequently, Internet users now more than anytime before need new tools, tools like 2.0 applications, tools that can help them compete in the 21^st century. 

Mohamed Bahrani

References

Luckin, Rosemary., Clark, Wilma., Graber, Rebecca., Logan, Kit., Mee, Adrian. & Oliver, Martin. (2009). Do Web 2.0 tools really open the door to learning? Practices, perceptions and profiles of 11-16-year-old students. Learning, Media, & Technology, 34(2), 87-104. Retrieved on August 6th, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=8&sid=23f72965-1e2c-4778-9ee4921fbd90dde0%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=42208900%23db=aph&AN=42208900%23db=aph&AN=42208900

Orlowski, Andrew. (2009). "We were so keen to believe that Web 2.0 would make the world fairer that we rejected all evidence to the contrary". New Statesman, 138 (4947), 34-35. Retrieved on August 6th, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=8&hid=9&sid=23f72965-1e2c-4778-9ee4-921fbd90dde0%40sessionmgr4&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=38705953%23db=aph&AN=38705953