What+is+Web+2.0?

=**What is Web 2.0?**=

The term **Web 2.0** is commonly associated with web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web. A **Web 2.0** site gives its users the free choice to interact or collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators (prosumer) of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where users (consumer) are limited to the passive viewing of content that was created for them. Examples of **Web 2.0** include social-networking sites, blogs, wikis, video-sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups and folksonomies ([]).

**Why use Web 2.0 in the classroom?**
Many Web 2.0 applications can allow users to create dynamic multimedia content without requiring them to have a deep knowledge of computer programming or usage. This can allow students to focus on the content and not the "how to" process traditionally involved with multimedia design. When integrated with instructional best practices, teachers have a powerful tool which can be used to enable, inspire, reinforce, and motivate student learning.

**Is there anything else I should know before using Web 2.0 applications with my students?**

 * Absolutely! Here are a few points to consider before using Web 2.0 with your students:**
 * 1) **Not all Web 2.0 Applications are Created Equal -** Some applications integrate perfectly with classroom instruction and student learning, some applications do not. Many applications fall into a "gray" area and are limited by the creativity and motivation of the teachers and students. Remember, just because it "looks cool" it doesn't necessarily mean it is going to help the students learn core curriculum knowledge.
 * 2) **Not all Web 2.0 Applications are Appropriate for Students of All Ages -** Some web 2.0 applications have specific age limitations in place preventing children from utilizing their services. Most sites have a "Terms of Use" and a "Privacy Policy." Be sure to thoroughly read through these documents before considering using an application for your classroom use. Some websites require students to have a valid email address or to register for an account. Be aware, educators are required by law to protect student identities online. It is also important to preview the site to make sure all content would be appropriate for your students. We recommend obtaining administrator permission and parent permission before you use any of these applications with students in your classroom.
 * 3) **Not all Web 2.0 Applications Will be Permitted on Your School Network -** Most schools filter student access to the World Wide Web. Always make sure that the sites you decide to use with the students are currently permitted by your district.

**Disclaimer**
We are not lawyers, we do not pretend to be lawyers, we don't even watch TV shows with lawyers in it. Always check the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or other disclaimers on a Web 2.0 website before considering use of an application in your classroom. Always gain parental permission as well as administrative permission before use the applications with your students. Use common sense, and always be nice to your Technology Department. They really are not trying to limit your creativity in the classroom, they have a legal obligation to protect students while they use the district network.