The key difference in the articles is that Batson describes 2.0 use in an educational setting, while Alexander discusses its benefits in terms of communication. Batson argues that technology and Web 2.0 has changed the educational setting by creating new ways to learn. Instead of a traditional lecture, teachers can now use online resources to convey the same lesson. Furthermore, Batson argues that Web 2.0 is not for geeks, but rather everyone. Alexander, on the other hand, seems to stress more the geekier aspect of Web 2.0. He discusses social networks, wiki's, blogs, and "tags," which are all ways to virtually interact with one another. The focus of his article is not about the classroom, which is the focus of "Why is 2.0 Important to Higher Education?"
Friday, February 12, 2010
Web 2.0
The articles "Why is 2.0 Important to Higher Education?" by Trent Batson and Web 2.0: A New Wave of Innovation for Teaching and Learning?" by Bryan Alexander both detail the significance of Web 2.0. Both authors argue that Web 2.0 has made important strides for our digital community. With 2.0, digital resources and interaction are simplified from what they used to be.
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I definitely agree with your second paragraph. Batson certainly puts more emphasis on the impact of Web 2.0 on educational field, wherese Alexander engages more in different aspects of Web 2.0 . I guess Alexander did bring up the "geekier" aspects. :) However, I think you could have been more specific and put much more details on the first paragraph. I was able to find quite a few similarities that two articles share. For exmaple, they both start out with the discussion about the definition about Web 2.0 and they also discuss the oppenness of Web 2.0.
ReplyDeleteI slightly disagree with the ideas presented in your second paragraph. Although what you said is a bit true. I find that the main difference between these articles was the authors' stance on Web 2.0. One of them was very supportive and found that it was the only natural progression for education. The other found that it was only going to affect those that are already technologically savvy, hence his discussion about geeks and other Internet activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Alexander's article doesn't discuss the benefits of Web 2.0 in education to the extent that the title suggests. Personally, I felt like the main arguments of the articles (at least the way I read them with a compare contrast goal task in mind)were centered around the definition of Web 2.0, and the authors' individual opinions on it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about Alexander showing a more geekier side to Web 2.0. He also didn't use any facts to back up his argument. It was all personal opinion which doesn't come off convincing.
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