For those who are unaware Web 2.0 is a term which came to fruition around 2004.

It refers to what was perceived as a second generation of web development and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing and most notably collaboration (examples include blogs and social networking sites).

A few weeks ago, as I sat listening to a speaker at a conference in Stanford University, I started to see before my eyes the beauty and impact of Web 2.0.

Not only were there hundreds of people watching the presentation online but, on a screen behind the speaker, the audience were posting comments and questions on the subject via a Twitter feed. It seemed to work very successfully, people could share interesting thoughts about the subject with fellow listeners, suggest questions for the speaker and also catch up on anything they may have missed.

As I sat there I began to imagine and think of the possibilities of this taking place in schools and universities and how it may benefit learning. So I started to do some research, which initially directed me to Steve Hargadon.

Steve is an education and Web 2.0 evangelist and his statement “Web 2.0 is the future of education” provides the perfect context for this article.

He believes so passionately that the future of education lies in the hands of Web 2.0, that he has created an online community: www.classroom20.com that unites educators and provides information and resources for those wanting to explore the new phenomenon.

Also in support of furthering education through Web 2.0 is Chris Lehman (principal of Science Leadership Academy). At the annual National Educational Computing Conference in Washington D.C, he told the audience “whether it’s a Wiki or Twitter, the notion of a participatory culture is not going away”.

In gathering my thoughts and embracing the views of Steve, Chris and other Classroom 2.0 supporters, I feel the mere notion of using Web 2.0’s tools such as Twitter, Facebook and Wikipedia as learning aids, quite refreshing, considering the majority of schools don’t allow access to social-networking sites, and employ filters to block teachers and students.

We should, however, look at the other side of things: the following points are some issues I feel may affect the uptake and effectiveness of Web 2.0 as an educational aid:

• The ability to train educators to be able to teach and utilise some of these tools.

• Keeping the feedback/interaction from students constructive and relative.

• Having the appropriate technology available for tools to be deployed.

• Being able to keep in sync with government and regulatory bodies.

To bring these arguments together, I do see great potential and need for Web 2.0 to be embraced and used in furthering education.

The barriers which I have highlighted are real, and need to be adequately addressed before successful adoption can take place.

So in answering the question, I don’t think Web 2.0 alone is the future of education, but in my opinion it will, and should, play a larger role.