Thing #5 Web 2.0 To be or not to be.

Thing #5 Some Perspectives on Web 2.0/School 2.0 and the Future of Education

Well, not one to be without an opinion about things, I find myself "uncomfortable" with the pronouncement of "Web 2.0".  Perhaps it is merely the syntax of the title, but it is also the concept.  Generally in programming a 2.0 version would be a complete rewrite and revamp of the system with upgrades and new thingamabobs.  I perceived the change in the internet to be a slow progression over time; with new and innovative uses appearing as each step of programming became more and more elaborate.  To suggest that there was a sudden "revamping" or 2.0izing of the internet seems capricious.  "2.0" did not suddenly appear out of thin air. 

Nonetheless, regardless of the correctness of the term, it is true that the internet holds infinite possibilities for education.  From information gathering, to idea sharing, to collaborative conferencing with students around the world, we are yet to even scratch the surface of the possible uses of the internet in education.  However, free and easy access to the very technology needed to facilitate this "connectedness" is difficult for most and impossible for many.  Even our own school district cannot provide each student with their own tablet.  Until we are about to resource our students we will not be able to utilize the internet to it's fullest capabilities.  I do believe that when that time comes the educational experience will be fuller and more robust.  For now we utilize that for which we have time and equipment and hope for a better funded educational path in the future.