Learning from Web 2.0

The two articles “Web 2.0: A New Wave of Innovation for Teaching and Learning?” and “Why is Web 2.0 Important to Higher Learning?” by Bryan Alexander and Trent Batson, respectively, each have many ideas to offer about the implications of Web 2.0. Firstly, the two articles share many similar ideas about the benefits and uses of this innovation. Both men agree that Web 2.0 has allowed all types of people to be active internet users. Batson specifically mentions that the internet is no longer only for geeks, and Alexander calls out that blogging and social networking sites, among others, incorporate people of all types into the internet. This idea is furthered by both Alexander and Batson in stating that this technology brings humanity closer towards its true social and interactive nature. Additionally, both authors ask questions within their titles. These titles provoke readers and question typically held ideas about the usage of Web 2.0.

Furthermore, the two articles also have many differences in their takes on Web 2.0. The Alexander article emphasizes that the transition to Web 2.0 was the result of a gradual change rather than one major event. He focuses more on the features and concepts of Web 2.0 rather than the word itself. Alexander portrays Web 2.0 as a social and interactive center. He discusses blogging sites, tagging, and RSS feeds and how they connect people and sites throughout the internet, delivering the information in a very formal manner. On the contrary, Batson gives more attention to the implications of Web 2.0 for educational purposes. He directs his work towards specific people, namely teachers, mentioning that using blogs and other features of Web 2.0 allow the students to learn more from each other and to respond to each others’ opinions than from the teacher alone. Combined, the two articles give strong insight into Web 2.0’s impacts on today’s society.