Web+2.0+-+B.A.

=//**Web 2.0**//= The term Web 2.0 is, most simply put, is a new way of interacting with the World Wide Web. Web 2.0 is about new interfaces, new ways of searching and accessing Web content. It is a platform - and not just for developers to create web applications. The Web is a platform to build on for virtually everyone. The distinction between Web 2.0 and Web 1.0's technologies and applications is somewhat subjective. Things like blogging, ajax, wikis, social bookmarking, advanced gaming, and interactive encyclopedias and dictionaries are some of the characteristics of Web 2.0. The Image below helps is an aid to help put what Web 2.o encompasses into perspective.

//**Advantages and Disadvantages**//
Critics of Web 2.0 maintain that it makes it too ea sy for the average person to affect online content and that, as a result, the credibility, ethics and even legality of Web content could suffer. Defenders of Web 2.0 point out that these problems have existed ever since the infancy of the medium and that the alternative,widespread censorship, would be far worse. The final judgment concerning any Web content, say the defenders, should be made by end users alone. Web 2.0 reflects evolution in that direction.

//**Educational Application**//
An excellent example of what Web 2.0 can bring to education is Spring Arbor's EDU 360's class Critical Thinking Wiki assignment. Wikispaces provides a perfect outlet for educators to help students interact and learn with and from one another. It can provide teachers with an easy way to manage there classes so they do not have to spend valuable time "pushing papers." Below is a link to the Wikispaces webpage that will further explain what a wiki is, how one can create a wiki, and what the many benefits are for teacher and students. Wikispaces

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