Collaborative and interactive learning: Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is the current state of online technology as it compares to the early days of the Web, characterized by greater user interactivity and collaboration, more pervasive network connectivity and enhanced communication channels (Rouse, 2015, para. 1). As Chirstensson (2008) explains, the term became popular in 2004 and includes new features and functionality that were not available in the past. Web 2.0 does not refer to a specific version of the Web, but rather a series of technological improvements. 

Some examples of features considered to be part of Web 2.0 are:

• Blogs - also known as Web logs, these allow users to post thoughts and updates about their life on the Web.
•  Wikis - sites like Wikipedia and others enable users from around the world to add and update online content.
• Social networking - sites like Facebook and MySpace allow users to build and customize their own profile sand communicate with friends.
• Web applications - a broad range of new applications make it possible for users to run programs directly in a Web browser.                                                                    

Web 2.0 technologies provide a level user interaction that was not available before. Websites have become much more dynamic and interconnected, producing "online communities" and making it even easier to share information on the Web. Because most Web 2.0 features are offered as free services, sites like Wikipedia and Facebook have grown at amazingly fast rates.

To conclude, it is important to mention the impact of Web 2.0 on the educational field. The major benefits include interaction, communication and collaboration that allow students to build a sense of community. Moreover, 2.0 tools remove time constraints by providing a more flexible environment that is not inhibited in classroom walls. And finally, it helps students to become more proficient in acquiring technological skills. Regarding teachers, 2.0 technologies help us to understand a little more about the students´ world and to motivate them more. 

References 

Rouse, M. (2015) Web 2.0. Retrieved 2017, Sep 27, from http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Web-20-or-Web-2
Christensson, P. (2008, January 14). Web 2.0 Definition. Retrieved 2017, Sep 27, from https://techterms.com