Comparing and Contrasting Web 2.0

In their theories about Web 2.0, both Bryan Alexander and Trent Batson see the new innovation as a form of social software that will lead to great changes. One such change is the vastly increased and open use of the internet, which will expand in a way like never before. It will also bring people together, the two argue, as it is conducive to cooperation. Though it should bring people together, individualism is also encouraged and will be able to easily thrive with the new system. This creates a best of both worlds situation, showing the clear advantages that will ensue upon the rise of Web 2.0. Although both authors seem to agree on many aspects of the system's advantages, they have many differing points about its rise and ultimate use.

Many of the authors' contrasting points throughout the two articles largely stems from their differing backgrounds, as Alexander writes as if he is investigating the innovation while Batson takes the viewpoint of a teacher. It is because of this background in education that Batson talks about Web 2.0 in terms of its potential with teaching while Alexander sees it as another stepping stone in terms of technology in general. The main contradiction in the two arguments, however, is how big of an impact they think Web 2.0 will have. While Batson believs that it will be of such great importance that it will actually change the field of teaching in a completely new and sweeping way, Alexander sees a more gradual rise that, rather than changing its predecessor, will simply make it more efficient and easy to use. Although both authors see many similarities in the importance of Web 2.0, they differ in the way in which it will become popular and its application.