Batson and Alexander both attempt to define the new Web 2.0. However, Batson discusses it on a more educational level in reference to teaching styles, while Alexander examines Web 2.0 on a more general level in direct relation to the internet itself. Batson essentially makes that point that Web 2.0 has made sharing knowledge far easier than in the past. And therefore, traditional methods of education have been made obsolete. He even goes on to bring our learning styles into play. The ease and availability of social networking has made learning more natural and less of a linear process, as traditional learning suggests that it should be.
On the other hand, Alexander looks at Web 2.0 conceptually, versus in relation to a particular subject such as education. He initially points out that a version number implies that there was some sort of previous version of the Internet. He then goes on to attempt to define Web 2.0 conceptually and through web tools have emerged from Web 2.0. One of the most notable of these tools is social networking. Alexander also points out that Web 2.0 has changed the shape of the internet. No longer is the internet necessarily page based. However, it is becoming increasingly less linear.
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I agree with the distinction you made between the two articles completely. Even though education is discussed briefly in the article by Alexander, his argument is much more general about Web 2.0. The article by Batson on the other hand discusses the applications of Web 2.0 in higher education and how it makes older methods of teaching obsolete.
ReplyDeleteI like how you showed how both authors believe that Web 2.0 will be of such importance that it will replace its predecessor, whether it is former forms of education or the internet in general. It is also important to show how Alexander saw Web 2.0 in more general terms while Batson looked to apply it specifically to the field of education. This can be easily explained by their differing backgrounds as a researcher and a professor.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ben in all of his statements, especially regarding Alexander's points on how Web 2.0 is "reshaping" the internet. But I would also add that it is interesting how the two authors differ in how long and sudden they view that reshaping to be. Alexander views such reshaping to be a gradual shift from the original internet and Batson seems to view it as a wholesale immediate shift. Perhaps this is due to their different backgrounds, fields, and viewpoints, as Richard has commented.
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