Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is a term used to reference  advanced web-based applications that allow users to interact with information and collaborate with each other.

Web 2.0 = no idea

My initial reaction to Web 2.0 was WHAT? I had never heard of the term Web 2.0. As I began reading the unit content I recognized the applications that Web 2.0 refers to. I was familiar with the applications themselves; however, did not realize they were tagged under the topic of Web 2.0.

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

As I reflect upon this unit, I realize that prior to the intoduction to Web 2.0, I did not consider these new social applications as being significant enough to warrant the term Web 2.0; I merely considered these new applications as progressive web development.