Because the net is expanding rapidly and changing just as quickly, the term Web2.0 is thrown around a lot. The idea of Web2.0 is simply about online collaboration anywhere, at any time, as long as there is net access. The key here is collaboration.
We see it in the workplace, the classroom, boardrooms, construction, and of course the net--collaboration is almost as essential to us now as a society as water is for our bodies to thrive. It is an essential 21st Century Skill for all of us, student, teacher, and parent alike, to compete in a global economy and to be marketable employees to a world that feels as though has changed overnight. The reality is this change has been a long time coming and we are just slow to adapt. (I cite our current economy as my evidence.)
On a lighter note, however, there are some really awesome, FREE tools that allow for collaboration to happen for everyone anywhere. Below I've listed and linked some great tools, some of which I just found out about myself!
...and there is Google Docs! If you've never used GDocs, it is time to convert!
I think this all also reveals that there are issues with the digital divide. Access and education is important to making collaboration worth it for our children and students. The 'divide' is an overused word for sure, but it does exist, and there needs to be serious discussions in all schools, districts and households about how to close this gap!
Happy collaborating!
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