Web has evolved from a one way system of a user accessing information in a new version or, web 2.0, that allows much user interface and endless possibilites. The two articles by James Batson and Brian Alexander are similar in many ways. The main agenda that these articles are stating is the improvement of web 2.0 from a previously used system. These articles agreed that web 2.0 is a more user-friendly and interactive version that allows more people to become involved with the web. The titles make the articles seem very similar, in that, both articles somehow relate back to learning and education. Although the arguments differ later for the ultimate use of web 2.0, both articles focus towards learning and education. The possibilities are endless applications for the use of web 2.0
These articles also differ mainly in their outcomes of the product. Alexander argues that teaching methods will remain the same just be enhanced by technology. In my analytical paper, I noticed on my video that they agree with this philosophy. There is a debate among professors whether the technology will replace or just enhance the classroom. The professors in my video and Alexander(although not a professor) lean more towards the enhancement side; while Batson leans more towards the replacement side. The titles of the articles themselves demonstrate the differing views of the school officials. The title from Batson's article, "Why is Web 2.0 Important to Higher Education," implies he is arguing not if it is important, but how it is important. In Alexander's title, "Web 2.0: A New Wave of Innovation for Teaching and Learning?" he is implying more of a question. Is Web 2.0 a new wave of innovation? The titles are a great way to gauge the intent of the writers. Although they both agree Web 2.0 will be vastly important to education, the end result for both is different. The main question is: Enhancement or Replacement?
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Holy in-depth review batman. seriously I really like how you broke down the sides to the root question AND brought in outside thoughts on this matter. I didn't catch the idea of enhancement vs replacement but after you explained it I wonder how I could have missed it in the papers. Maybe you could use these texts in your paper as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology will not replace education. At the same time, however, I think technology will less enhance education, as it does now, but instead will evolve education. Although we use technology in our education, the type of collaborative work made possible by the internet simply has not been utilized anywhere near its fullest capabilities. The majority of students also use textbooks, which I think will be phased out with the increased implementation of Web 2.0 in classrooms.
ReplyDeletePosing the question enhancement vs. replacement was a great way to simplify the differences between the two pieces. I think you are right. When looking at the broad picture this is the fundamental difference between the views of Alexander and Batson.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about it as one way to two way interaction with information. It's interesting because that's truly the best way to put it. Now everyday people can write blog posts and create websites. In the case of wikipedia, people can actually contribute to the internet as a whole. At the same time, this new power to create and share can be wildly abused.
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