Unit 1: How is technology, particularly computer-based technology including Web 2.0 tools, changing the role of the instructor and that of learners?

    The early days of the internet brought a lot of frustration on its early users, especially among online student communities. Such things as instability across the telecommunication systems, difficult user interfaces or navigational issues, and disjointed online communication were just a few that caused that frustration that was also combined with the lack of technical support (Berge, 2013).
     Web 2.0 stylet became standard in the 1990s. Web 2. 0 allowed web pages to move beyond the standard static documents. It allows the use of gradients, colorful icons, reflections, drop shadows, etc., - all were collected to design tutorials and the like (Morrow, 2016).
    Web 2.0 aims to broaden the e-skills and competencies of teachers and tutors and helps them to create adequate online training without time and distance barriers. They also integrate the social media in their courses’ curriculum. The utilization of social media in Web 2.0 enhances the communication between the students giving them the opportunity to create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks almost instantly. However, We. 2.0 if often underutilized due to the lack of training on how to use those tools. This is the biggest challenge of the technology because students and especially teachers lack training and familiarity with the web technologies which often prevent their educational utilization and development (Perikos, Grivokostopoulou, Kovas, &  Hatzilygeroudis, 2015).
    However, in most cases chances are, we all have already used Web 2.0 tools without realizing that they are Web 2.0 tools. For example, what you read in the online encyclopedia is static and most probably a Web 1.0 tool, but what you read on Wikipedia is dynamic (Web 2.0). It lets users make changes to make explanations more accurate and comprehensive. Therefore, Web 2.0 tools can generate more powerful and full content. Students these days are probably using Web 2.0 tools in their daily lives. Such devices as Doodle, Twitter, or Pinterest are often used daily, primarily by the “newest” generations.  Web 2.0 tools allow users to collaborate, generate, and upload content. It is an excellent tool to engage learners and help foster a community of learning in any course. For instance, using mind mapping tools like Prezi or Popplet help students brainstorm ideas asynchronously and synchronously. Teachers and students have access to multiple presentation tools that help them to transfer knowledge more efficiently. For example, for my presentations, I use Prezi.com because it is more dynamic and has a lot more features than a regular PowerPoint. I have just discovered GoAnimate, which is a cartoon/animation building tool that I can use for videos and more detailed visual explanations.
     Although not a lot of teachers and students know all the features of Web 2.0, they do not even realize that they have been using them in everyday life for quite some time.
References
Berge, Z. (2013). Barriers to communication in distance education. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(1), 374-388. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286122039_Barriers_to_communication_in_distance_education
Morrow, K.  (2016). Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and the Internet of Things. uxbooth.com
http://www.uxbooth.com/articles/web-2-0-web-3-0-and-the-internet-of-things/
Perikos, I., Grivokostopoulou, F., Kovas, K., &  Hatzilygeroudis, I. (2015). Assisting tutors to utilize Web 2.0 tools in education. ERIC. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED562502.pdf
Web 2.0 tools in teaching and learning. (2018). University Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from https://teaching.pitt.edu/blog/web-2-0-tools-in-teaching-and-learning/