Web 2.0 and its language learning purposes by Mariel Lopez

Web 2.0

Is a term that was introduced in 2004 and refers to the second generation of the World Wide Web. The term "2.0" comes from the software industry, where new versions of software programs are labeled with an incremental version number. Like software, the new generation of the Web includes new features and functionality that was not available in the past.

Web 2.0 technologies provide a level user interaction that was not available before. Websites have become much more dynamic and interconnected, producing "online communities" and making it even easier to share information on the Web.

How can it be used for language learning purposes?

1.Educational technologies are beginning to be incorporated into educational settings more than ever along with the rapid advances in technology.

2. Web 2.0 is one of the emerging technologies that may support language learning and teaching.

3. Web 2.0 refers to a transformation, paving the way for increased collaboration, interactivity, information sharing and content creation through internet-based applications.

4. With their dynamic structure, Web 2.0 tools have the power to change teacher and learner roles considerably.

5. The responsibility of teachers is to try new tools to meet the needs of their learners since no two classrooms look completely alike.

6. In the hands of knowledgeable and skillful language teachers, these tools open new windows of opportunities for enhancing language learning and teaching.

7. Teachers can customize and tailor the functions of these tools to their own teaching and their students’ learning needs.

Main differences between Web 1.0 and 2.0

Web 1.0

It is the “readable” phrase of the World Wide Web with flat data. In Web 1.0, there is only limited interaction between sites and web users. Web 1.0 is simply an information portal where users passively receive information without being given the opportunity to post reviews, comments, and feedback.

Web 2.0

It is the “writable” phrase of the World Wide Web with interactive data. Unlike Web 1.0, Web 2.0 facilitates interaction between web users and sites, so it allows users to interact more freely with each other. Web 2.0 encourages participation, collaboration, and information sharing. Examples of Web 2.0 applications are Youtube, Wiki, Flickr, Facebook, and so on.

Mariel Lopez Herran