Thanks to a practical comment from Jessica, I'd like to try my hand at defining the label "Web 2.0." Then, you can go to wikipedia for their more thorough version. What I mean by "Web 2.0" (and what I think I'm understanding from other gurus on the topic) is most quickly described as a "read and write" Internet. When the Internet was first in widespread use (when I was in undergrad--or at least that's when I started using it more), it was mostly a "read only" place. A place to search and find information that one would "consume" but not add to. I could do a Yahoo! or Altavista search (then came Google!). Now, however, with Web 2.0, the Internet is much more interactive. I can read and COMMENT on many sites. I have a blog--also, where OTHERS CAN COMMENT. We use wikis (see wikipedia as the one in the forefront) to collaboratively design, edit, and create content. We have discussion boards, news groups, youtube.... Our students' Internet is very different from the one I learned in undergrad! Think myspace, facebook, ....
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