Thing 5- Web 2.0

• First and foremost, what is Web 2.0? According to Wikipedia, it is a loosely defined intersection of web application features that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design,^[1] and collaboration on the World Wide Web. A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators (prosumers) of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where users (consumers) are limited to the passive viewing of content that was created for them. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

The 21st Century brings excitement of new ideas and technology, but what else does that bring? Everybody wants the newest and greatest mobile on market that does everything for you. 21st Century learning is going to be done solely by internet and higher functioning multimedia sources. I fear that there will be downsides to this as well. Book stores and libraries are closing because we can now purchase books online, interviews are done via videoconferencing instead of in person, and texting is the biggest hobby for young adolescents these days. Everything is done on screen!

These and many other reasons lead me to believe that technology is not only good. 

On the reverse, Skype, myspace, facebook, and other features allow us to communicate across the world and stay in touch with family and friends.  Although these interactions are not face to face, Web 2.0 allows us to stay in contact with people that we care about.
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In School 2.0, learning would be done at home, school, and in the community.  Where does peer interaction come into play?  I thought "play" was a necessity and  part of the learning process?   What about scholars that learn only by doing?  We would be conforming all students to learn the same way. What would happen to children that are hands-on-learners, or auditory learners? I guess I have my fears when discussing School 2.0. because I am so used to being taught within a environment facilitated by an instructor.

• What does "School 2.0" mean to you? What School 2.0 means to me is teaching to technology. Students would be taught to learn the same way, possibly avoiding disabilities if they were to arise. I think it would be interesting to see how it would work, but I worry that peer interactions would be lost. What if the web crashed? How would you attend class? If it was a virtual classroom setting I might reconsider what I am saying. I am old school, and used to the way things are that I fear change especially in schools might lead to problems.
• What does it mean for schools of the future? Schools in the future would be run by the government and the internet. The "No Child Left Behind Act" would go away and parents would be more in touch with what their children are learning.