Now Web 2.0 is some exciting stuff! The topic dealing with Second Life really caught my attention. Utilizing Second Life as a learning tool is a GREAT idea. Being able to study online and then take virtual field trips to be able get a visual feel of what you're studying alone makes me a very interested student. Of course, it seems like the biggest drawbacks of Second Life would be that of its infrastructure and the heavy demands using Second Life places on your computer equipment. Even with that, in my opinion it still seems like a very valuable learning tool. Until the infrastructure and computer requirements are compatible for use for the majority of students, it might be best to use Second Life as a supplemental tool rather than implementing it full on for courses.
But Web 2.0 has many benefits and has changed the way we collaborate, socialize, and search for information. And it will only evolve more as technology keeps producing more and more devices enabled for web browsing. I for one use my cell phone for multiple social networking and blog sites, and even for participating in some class discussions. However, this phenomenon that is Web 2.0 makes me wonder just how much are we beginning to rely on technology. While Web 2.0 is certainly a good tool for learning, what about our dependence on it outside of learning. I wonder if the benefits of Web 2.0 outweigh a stronger dependence on such technology and any potential backfires.
Kateesha
ReplyDeleteI find web 2.0 amazing and overwhelming. There are so many choices. I have performed a search on google "web 2.0" and "top 100". The results reveal the categories for web 2.0. Using these categories has helped me focus on learning platforms and social platforms.
While I was busy trying to sort through web 2.0 my results web 3.0 or the semantic web. Web 2.0 helps us learn about others. In web 3.0, technology has reciprocated. It has learned about us from our web 2.0 habits. Like you, I am not sure if this is a benefit for us . I also wonder how we as learners will use our critical thinking skills as our dependence on technology increases.
I am sure that those marketing products to a set of preferences do intend to benefit.
As far as second life, I think it would be great to sit at home, go to a virtual library and have a book virtually delievered to my desktop. But half of the fun of the campus is the interaction. I would hate to miss that experience.