I guess those days of having your mom physically drop you off at the local library are long gone, along with the cassette plays and typewriters.

It’s definitely not Kansas anymore. Where has the time gone? It was just yesterday, I remember figuring out how to work my new Atari game system back in the 80’s. After that, it was the Commode 64.

And now I wake up to a whole new digital world, and something called Web 2.0.Wait! Was there even a Web 1.0. I don’t remember getting any memos in that regards!

It is said that this Web 2.0 crept up back in 2004. Personally, the only thing I remember from that year is watching Passion of Christ in the theaters, and I believe Reagan also died.

So what is this Web 2.0, what does it have to do with me, and why does it affect my life? I thought I was happy and content as it is without this so-called Web 2.0.

Well, what other better place than the reliable Wikipedia to find an answer.

Here is what it says:

“The term "Web 2.0" (2004–present) is commonly associated with web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design and collaboration on the World Wide Web. Examples of Web 2.0 include web-based communities, hosted services, web applications, social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs, mashups and folksonomies. A Web 2.0 site allows its users to interact with other users or to change website content, in contrast to non-interactive websites where users are limited to the passive viewing of information that is provided to them.”

Hmmm. That seems like a lot of words there. That’s a huge definition. So basically from what I understand, is that using all the advanced technology that we all have currently being using, and in a way interlinking them to an extent, to make our online and digital life more simple.

That’s not too bad. That actually may be helpful when you think about it.

It seems as if this Web 2.0 can be applied to many aspects of our lives be it education or even for say charities.

Basically, it seems as if the main difference about this ‘new version’ is the source of information that gets on to the web. Prior to Web 2.0, that world was in essence an online version of hard copy materials. It was gathered together in one place to produce an online version. So it was just one side that was doing all the work.

Now, with Web 2.0, users also join in the fun, make an effort and are a part of that information process.

From what it seems, Web 2.0 should not be viewed as just another term for the experts to casually throw at us. As you read this, Web 2.0 is indeed changing the way we interact and do things online. In other words, this is one world we don’t want to leave behind. In other words, we don’t want to be left behind. This is one boat we cant afford to miss.

This is especially true for those who want to a make a difference in society be it teachers and educators or volunteers or those who want to keep ahead of the competition like businesses and research work.

I mentioned Wikipedia above which helped me in my little ‘research’ here. This is perhaps one of the greatest examples of Web 2.0. Here is where the contributors are you and I. Not just one sided with some guy enclosed high in some office room.

So this opens a whole new door of opportunities for all of us. Web 2.0 can ensure our face is on the map of the world, online at least.

Youtube is perhaps another great example. Last year, there was a consumer who simply was not getting anywhere with her financial institution. They simply would not budge. No problem. The next thing we all witness, is her video on Youtube expressing her situation. There were thousands of hits. Did the company respond? You bet. It was a nightmare for them. They have to their PR word into overdrive to rectify this situation.

Wow. What a difference time makes. It was just yesterday, we had to actually sit down, write down our concerns find a stamp and envelope, and mail the darn thing. Usually that got lost in the sea of snail mail. But today, bang! Its instant! Now the general public has control and maybe the upper hand.

Teachers and educators can especially unleash the potential and possibilities of the Web 2.0 to impart a new world of education for the bright minds. The list is endless! Teaching is now definitely interactive.