Web 2.0

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 represents  a shift in the way that the World Wide Web is used, and marks a change from the presentation of static, unchangeable content prevalent in the early days of the web (often referred to as Web 1.0), to providing a more dynamic, shared experience.

The original technology which underpins Web 1.0 was based on technology pioneered by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN, who built the first web site in 1991. As web standards have advanced, technologies such as Ajax have provided more efficient ways of presenting material to be viewed in an on-line context, making richer user experiences possible.

Web 2.0 does not build significantly on technologies offered by Web 1.0, but instead represents a paradigm shift in the way this existing technology is used. Where Web 1.0  was used to present static website content, delivering information to the passive reader, Web 2.0 is characterised by collaboration, interaction and social networking. Though the building blocks of the World Wide Web have changed little, the way it is used has changed significantly. Online content can now be written and updated by users, often in real time anywhere in the world, delivered to a participating audience.

Blogs, wikis, social bookmarking and media sharing are all based on Web 2.0 principles, and now have many popular associated applications which allow dynamic interaction and content creation. These have proven to be valuable resources in the context of education, and many tutors utilise one or more of these tools within their courses.

 


More information on Web 2.0 

Ajax: A New Approach to web Applications - Article where 'Ajax' terminology  first appears
What is Web 2.0?  - Article for JISC Technology and Standards Watch
Strategy and Policy  - Article by Tom Franklin