Web 1/2/3.0 Comparison

In recent years, there has been a shift from Web 1.0, which was essentially a set of webpages that provided static content, to Web 2.0, which are websites that use technology beyond simply providing static content. Web 2.0 pages typically allow users to collaborate with each other using some type of social media platform, be it social networking, blog, video sharing or other. Currently, I would say we find ourselves in what many people call Web 2.5, which is an intermediate state between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. We are somewhere between technology being cautiously adopted, and technology being prevalent everywhere. 

This has several implications for education. A quote I read recently said “Students can take advantage of learning materials online, through games and programs they may have on systems at home, and through their extensive – and constantly available – social networks.” Clearly, we need to work on having a good mix of traditional and non-traditional learning taking place. Having students who are used to a digital universe also provides opportunity for students to produce course materials, and perform self and peer assessments. Further, I think that web 3.0 seems to be gearing itself to be more self-directed, where learning can happen from teacher to student, student to student, or student to teacher rather than simply being teacher dictated.

Currently, the feeling that I get from a lot of parents is that they view most of education as daycare. This new shift in the style or learning and assessment will help parents see that schools can be more than a daycare, and it is my feeling that web 3.0 tools will enhance learning in amazing ways.