Journal 5

Collaboration in a Web 2.0 Environment

Bull, Glen (April 2006). Collaboration in a Web 2.0 Environment. Learning and Leading with Technology, 7, Retrieved March 10, 2009, from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=April_No_7_&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&ContentFileID=2642

Web syndication is transforming the way in which people communicate. If used effectively, RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Web feeds) feeds make it possible to do such things as collaboratively edit and publish a paper instantaneously with other classmates. As students, this saves time and effort and provides a convenient way to meet and complete group projects. Writely is one of the programs used for collaborative projects.

Web 2.0 services are making it easier to use a multitude of programs at the same time. For example, NetVibes contains instant access to Flickr, Writely, and Gmail, and other common Web 2.0 services. The best thing about these services is that they are live. With such features, the possibilities are endless, whether it be in a web classroom, business conference site or any other collaborative environment.

What are some of the services available through Web 2.0?

The latest in web communication is to include RSS feeds to such services as Flickr, Gmail and Writely, all on the same homepage to instantly link to live feeds of all these programs. You can edit a paper as quickly as you can type it, view photos as soon as they are posted, or send and receive e-mail in a second. Other programs include NetVibes, FeedDigest, TaDa and Bloglines.

How are Web 2.0 services transforming the way in which educators are teaching?

In a society where there is never enough time, or meeting with a group often seems impossible, educators are manning their classrooms differently through the use of the latest in Web technology. By making RSS feeds available on a class Web page, educators can provide students with all the necessary information for the class, and tools to turn in assignments without ever turning in a paper. Services such as Writely and Bloglines are also helpful tools for students to meet and collaborate on a project, without ever leaving the house. These live feeds allow you to edit and publish a paper from any computer with internet access.