Web 2.0

This discussion is for the purpose of completing an assignment for the ITEC 830 class. The question I have been asked to discuss is "What is Web 2.0?"

Web 2.0 is whatever you desire it to be. In a nutshell: More users + interactivity features.

Social Butterfly anyone??? If so, Web 2.0 is your digital web of networking and collaborating with anyone & everyone. Try Xanga, MySpace, Bebo, Zoped, Facebook or LinkedIn. Try Mashable, which is a blog that focuses on social networking news. Go Figure!

Surfing the Web is no longer hours but seconds to get to exactly what you want when you by settin an elaborate personal profile to your taste and interest. Try the top of the mark, iGoogle. Google is an amazing machine in more ways then I have time to tell you. What you should know if you are a super geek is that Google is a form of an API {Application Programming Interface}, which is "a way to create mini applications that are designed to fetch and display info from online sources." The Google Search can be used from many different places, the Safari or Firefox toolbar, your own Website and other people's Websites.

Then there is the truly awe inspiring video chat, the Internet telephony. VoIP (voice over IP) is making waves. However, stay away from Vonage. It is an evil company with NO customer service! Got WiFi? Got problems! If you want the low-down, just ask and I can rant for hours. You can't use it when there is a power outage or even an Internet outage. I would stick with the good ol'trustworthy telephone lines. If you want some fun, I suggest Skype. It is free!

Telecommuting has never been better. Businesses are using Web 2.0 daily to set up online virtual offices where employees collaborate, disseminate information and group scheduling. It is not ooh awe Web 2.0, but YahooGroups works well for masses of people in a group to communicate and it is FREE! Google Docs & Spreadsheets offer collaborative workspaces where people around the world can work together in real time and cross platform! OOH LALA! However, I am a little weary of actually sharing my documents with Google. What happens when the empire turns evil or when a citizen of the empire sells info to the government? Be careful what you share! No firewall is big enough and no company is entirely good. Do you all know the #1 rule at Google? "Do no evil!

Yes, you can share all of your photos with everyone via Web 2.0 sites. There are many services, but I personally like Shutterfly. They have good prices and products when you want to make a present like a book. And it is a quick turn around service! In addition, you can create slideshows and other ooh la things. I am thinking about checking out Google’s Picasa. Does anyone have any good feedback on using this?

Of course I am saving the best for last… TV on your PC!! WOO-HOO! Why do you ever need to disconnect? Maybe to go to the bathroom or eat? On-line video, YouTube, U-name it! Miss a show? A lot of major networks offer free rebroadcast on-line. Life is good. If it is not free, then iTunes is always decently priced. Thank you Mr. Jobs! It is only going to get better. Look out for the Intuitive Web 3.0 {Artificial Intelligence} coming soon!

On an educational note:
I am very impressed with the access to on-line applications. Educators have very little money to spend on supplies and usually nothing to spend on expensive, but cool Adobe software. Web 2.0 is helping bridge the digital divide between schools located in the wealthy neighborhoods and with the inner city schools. All students deserve to learn cutting edge technology and Web 2.0 is allowing everyone to jump in and play. Now all they need is a computer lab with high speed Internet! Oh Mr. Gates…

As with everything, balance is key. Make sure you go out and smell the fresh sea air and get some exercise, go out to dinner with friends and enjoy your family. Web 2.0 nor the computer is everything.

Balance young grasshopper! Balance! And don’t forget to eat Organic and support local farmers!