Week three and the assignment is Web 2.0 and Wiki pages. I guess I've heard the term Web 2.0 but never really bothered to find out what it meant. I honestly did not know the true background of the web and how it has evolved over the years. Also seeing that this article (What Is Web 2.0, Tim O'Reilly) was written in 2005, I find myself wondering if I'm actually trying to learn Web 3.0...
After reading the article I looked back at the initial chart that listed 1.0 on one side and 2.0 on the other. I think it is a good descriptive example of how things have changed from the web as storage of information from which I can research and draw out items I need to the web that ebbs and flows with me and my needs. This web we have now follows me and adapts to my preferences, experiences, and inquiries. This may be a bit "big brother" and privacy will always be a concern, but it does make for more productive time on the internet and honestly make the internet easier to use. I am also much more familiar with the Web 2.0 terms than 1.0, which tells me that the web has become more user friendly to some degree. So it seems the web itself must grow and stretch to accommodate its new users as much as users must adapt to the increase in the use of technology.
By the way - I thought the initial video was a great visual for the concept of how the web has changed, both in appearance and function. Honestly, it probably did more to help me understand the concept than the article!
Wikis - I had heard of Wikis and, in fact, our Young Adult program has used one for a couple years now. I probably would never have investigated them on my own without this class. I can definitely see possibilities here for me in my job. I work in Special Ed in a center-based school. I have often wanted to reach out to other music programs and share ideas and information. I think my students could create a "Music Wiki" and each class could contribute ideas, pictures, and thoughts. Then we would have a platform for connecting with other students from all walks of life and in this way we expand our awareness of the world around us and learn about and utilize the technology that is becoming such a big part of our life.
I also like the potential for Wiki as a professional networking tool. As a music therapist I am the only professional in my entire county. Even in my building we have 2 occupational therapists, 2 physical therapists, 2 speech therapists...this is a common set-up for music therapists in education. A Wiki would be a great tool to get some much needed peer interaction and professional support, again also immersing us in technology and keeping us up to date.
I'm now attempting to link this blog to my Wiki page - be warned I may need to come back and edit this post at any given time!
Wiki front page
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