Characteristics of Web 2.0 applications are as follows:

• Allows the users to create the content which differs from Web 1.0 applications that typically provide users with information and content
• Allows for large groups to exchange content in the form of text, video, blogs etc.
• Content is harder the preserve than Web 1.0 content
• More socially connected than Web 1.0
•  "Harnesses the power of the crowd"
• Promotes crowdsourcing
• Encourages participation and openness
• Areas of concern with Web 2.0 are the quality service and user input
• Poses complications in reliability of sources for educational institutions
• Supports collaboration
• Increases the speed of communication
• Requires increase storage capacities