My Reflection on Web 2.0 & Web 3.0

Through some reading I found huge amount of information regarding Web 2.0. One specific one that interested me was from WhatIs.com that mentioned that “Web 2.0 is the popular term for advanced Internet technology and applications including blogs, wikis, RSS and social bookmarking”(WhatIs.com.1999-2012). Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from static HTMLWeb pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organized and is based on serving Web applications to users. So in other words Web 2.0 is a second generation of the World Wide Web. Unlike Web 1.0 (retroactive web or read-only) where data was posted on Web sites, and users simply viewed or downloaded the content, Web 2.0 (more collaborative or read-write), users have more input into the nature and scope of Web content and in some other cases exert real-time control over it, and even greater collaboration among users and content providers. Other improved functionality of Web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on Web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. There are a number of Web-based services and applications based on Web 2.0 concept, and they are already being used to a certain extent in education as well. I believe that Web 2.0 unlike Web 1.0 that only allowed viewing and downloading of information, Web 2.0 can help students become more aware of the technologies, events (real-time events), news, cultures, and so forth through collaborative and social networking that Web 2.0 enables.

As for Web 3.0 (I see it as data driven web), it is a semantic term denoting the next phase of internet programming that some are calling "the intelligent web". Web 3.0 reorganizes existing data or information already provided by Web 2.0 and makes it easier to find or access. Looking at the computer elements, Web 3.0 is “where the computer is generating new information, rather than humans” (WebToolHub.com.2012).  Technology has come far from being a server occupying one whole building to having the same applications and more in the palm of your hands. This is what I think of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0, and the advantages it can provide in terms of education. Such advantages that can be provided by both are educational based mash-up services and applications. A mash-up is a Web page or application that integrates complementary elements from two or more sources. An example of a mash-up could be of Flash Earth : a zoomable mash-up of Google Maps and Microsoft's Virtual Earth. This type of mash-up can be used in the classroom for student to not only locate places but also to be able to see a virtual representation. With Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 students experience a more interactive with more user-defined content and services. They can also find links to view clips, news, culture and so forth of that specific location and research various data available with easy access. I think that with the advancements of services and application provided through the net,  the collaborative properties that Web 2.0 provide and the data driven intelligence of Web 3.0, the classroom can expand and help student to achieve higher 21^st century education no matter where you are on the globe.

References:

Flashearth.com.(2009.).Microsoft Corporation.Earthstar Geographics LLC.retrieved from;http://www.flashearth.com

WebToolHub.com.(2012.).Forum:Major Difference between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 Technologies.vBulletin.retrieved from;http://forums.webtoolhub.com/threads/945-Major-Difference-between-Web-2-0-and-Web-3-0-Technologies

WhatIs.com.(1999-2012.). Part of the Internet technologies glossary:Web 2.0 (or Web 2).TechTarget.retreived from; http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Web-20-or-Web-2