The articles "Web 2.0: A New Wave of Innovation for Teaching and Learning?" by Bryan Alexander and "Why is Web 2.0 Important to Higher Education?" by Trent Batson have similarities in that they both emphasize Web 2.0's openness and its social-networking characteristics. In his article, Alexander states that "Web 2.0 sees users as playing more of a foundational role in information architecture" and that Web 2.0 is open to all users to take control of the web contents. In a similar context, Batson explains in his article how the Web is "no longer the exclusive domain of the geek or the brave, but a gathering place for the world." Alexander and Batson both point out the importance of cooperation and two-way learning and explains how the Web 2.0 can make this possible.
Despite their similarities, the articles have differences as well. One distinction between them includes the types of evidence the authors incorporate to explain the characteristics of Web 2.0. Batson confines the topic of his article strictly to a classroom setting, discussing how using the Web brings a new way of learning and contrasting it to the "traditional classroom." He also includes specific examples and comments from students to support his argument. Batson, on the other hand, approaches his topic in a broader way, talking about the contents of Web 2.0 and how people can use it. The two authors also have different tones in their articles:Batson being more informal and friendly, whereas Alexander being formal and informatic.
Nice job MinJung!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your second paragraph's argument regarding Batson's article addressing "strictly a classroom setting." Also your last comment that mentioned the tones of the two articles was very well thought out. Although I did not realize it at first, now that you mention it, it is apparent that the two articles implemented different tones. Great work!
I also liked that fact that you brought up the different tones within the two articles. It brings to light the different manner in which they are portraying their information, and especially to their audience. This goes to add to how their points are being conveyed differently as they focus on the various effects from the characteristics of web 2.0.
ReplyDeleteWell done, I think these are the most important big picture differences and similarities between the articles. I especially think the tone is a significant difference. Perhaps these are related to the different purposes of the two articles. While Alexander is simply intending to inform, Batson is almost trying to "sell" Web 2.0's use in the classroom. By using a friendly, informal tone, perhaps he is more successful in making his ideas attractive to the reader.
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