Why I like Web 2.0…
I was inspired by this blog by Anne Collier, which was written in response to Andrew Keen’s
Cult of the Amateur. I am part way through this book and felt as though it was time for a brief rant. In his book, Andrew argues that all of the with the millions of people using the social web we are creating a plethora of poor content. Further, he persuades readers by claiming that mediocre pieces distract from the important research and creations that professional organizations create. While this is true to some degree, it doesn’t out whiegh the benefits we reap from this new age of media.
In response to the cloud of gloom that Mr. Keen blows over the idea of online creation and participation, I offer these reasons of why I see web 2.0 tools to be an integral part of education as we continue to live our days on this planet. I believe that these tools provide both the teacher and student with new opportunities that rarely existed in schools as recently as 3 years ago. These web 2.0 tools open the vault that is active student directed participatory learning. Users are encouraged to participate, to produce for an audience, to collaborate with peers and experts in virtual spaces. Often like minded folk share highlights of successful pedagogies and practice. Teachers are using web 2.0 tools to empower and engage students in these new skills. It must be understood that in order to do this successfully they must be willing slowly adopt tools into their personal tool belt in a methodical and reflective process. It must be understood that these tools are not going to go away until a new media invention makes them irrelevant.
Good teachers will realize will promote these tools in classes because they provide another reason to reinforce fundamental life lessons of etiquette, morals, values and privacy. By having dialog about these concepts with regards to the tools, students are given opportunity to reflect upon and evaluate their real life morals and values. In our role as as the grand sage we strive to mold learners to practice self assessment to continually strive to produce quality examples of their learning.
In some ways, I agree with Mr. Keen, that their is much rubbish floating around this WWW. It is time we began to investigate how these tools can be used not only by our students but by society. In the past I mentioned that I don’t hold the crystal ball, but I don’t see social media evaporating soon. My complaint is that Mr. Keen does not offer suggestions to improve the social web. Nor does he aptly recognize the positive contributions of amateur participation to society in terms of learning, discovery and collaboration. As the world shrinks we need to adapt. Let us talk about how we are going to do that.
Well, let’s examine Andrew’s argument. Andrew states that the web is “creating a plethora of poor content…claiming that mediocre pieces distract from the important research”. I disagree. Peer reviewed articles are reviewed by selected professors (excellent and reliable research), but still filtered to a certain standard, and read by whom? Magazines, newscasts/newspapers, magazines prior and present in the era of web 2.0 are filtered by “what sells”. The social web in comparison is the collected knowledge of experiences/opinions and very often experts. It’s a forum where the filter is the reader. Designed to be understood, in a variety of different forms, for the global community. Why read about studies from think tanks about why we should or should not participate (for example) in a war in Afghanistan when we can read blogs from soldiers/participants whom are actually there? A diversion from”real studies”? I believe, just as in the philosophy of wikipedia, that discussion and reflection bring about factual and useful knowledge, that appeals to a global audience, not a group of often unread and intellectual elitists. I would not criticize the digital community Andrew, I would instead pursue avenues to contribute. The revaluate your statements on mediocraty.
Kyle, you have tapped into my curiousity. I am going to have to pick this up once the class is done. Thanks.
Dean
The fact that there is some “garbage” on the web is not totally wrong. However, I believe it is inaccurate to make such a general statement. One only needs to look in the Blogosphere that we have in this course to realize the wealth of knowledge and ideas that are floating around. Even a person just blog searching would be able to find quality blogs and wiki’s. The better one’s search skills are will help access quality information.
Hi Kyle
I have been enjoying your blog. I tried the Twitter thing and am now following you, but I don’t know how to contact you via Twitter. I hope you get this in time as I see you are meeting with your Atlantic Country group and Iwould still like to get involved. Email me at allison.sherwin@lskysd.ca
“Often like minded folk share highlights of successful pedagogies and practice.” I must agree with you here in defference to Andrew Keen says about the new web distracting from important research. If anything, these new web tools are allowing the most important research and creations to be shared, discussed and practiced like never before.
Hi Kyle !
Thanks for your comments on my post about informal learning. I like the idea that learning 2.0 could be a participative and colaborative experince.
Luis
[...] started with “The Cult of the Amateur” By Andrew Keen, his vision reaffirmed that there is a lot of content to weave through because many are creating [...]
Kyle, I am at a bit of a loss as to where to even start with this one….As you very well know you encountered me through web 2.0 and like it or not here I am now commenting on your blog. Depending upon just which circles you have been running in the amount of sheer rubbish and pure spam you might encounter out there is staggering to say the least, personally I have encountered lots and more than my fair share of complete jerks too! However I believe there is also a lot of rubbish in the real world(where I have also encountered a few jerks..LOL). How do we really know how much of what the traditional media has to tell us is really true? How much of history has been bent to the point that the only story we are told is the one of those who won the wars? It is up to us as individuals in good conscience to make the decisions as to what is probable or right. What is indeed interesting about the whole concept is the opportunity we all have to share and grow from the experiences and opinions of others, to me it really is about connecting with people I would not have otherwise in the interest of truth and open observation from every concievable angle. No one is better than anyone else(truly a stunning revelation once gripped!) and together we can all hold each other accountable.
And this is of course just my opinion which you have the power to ignore or delete.
Garnet
P.S. All the best with your future in teaching, teach them to think for themselves bro!