We explain what Web 2.0 is and what the origin of this term is. Also, the different tools you use.
What is Web 2.0?
When we talk about Web 2.0 or the Social Web, we refer to a model of Web pages that facilitate the transmission of information interoperability and collaboration between its users, through a design focused on their needs, rather than those of the company. In other words, it is a trend on the Internet that advocates for a more interactive, less unilateral network, in which users do not occupy a merely passive role.
Web 2.0 represents a step forward in the evolution of the Internet to incorporate the user as an active agent in its operation, and not as a mere client or recipient of information. This involves dynamic websites, in which the user is allowed to interact, generate content, or be part of virtual communities.
The term originated in 2004 a product of Tim O'Reilly's conference on the future of the Internet, and plays with the usual designation for computer programs (1.0, 1.1., 1.2, 2.0, etc.) as they are updated and improved. However, it does not really refer to a technical improvement of the network, but rather to a different way of understanding it.
Some examples of Web 2.0 pages are social networks, wikis, Internet sales pages or other collaborative projects in which users must generate content and not simply consume it.
All of them have in common a disposition towards interactivity and building a sense of community between people who may be strangers or thousands of kilometers away.
Web 2.0 Tools
2.0 tools are those programs or websites available to carry out certain functions within the Internet, and that can be applied to other vital aspects, such as learning or teaching. Some examples of this are:
- Social networks Virtual communities in which people from a distance can communicate in real time in writing (chat), can make their information publicly available and connect with other people who share their interests, their history or their desires (even romantic ones).
- The Wikis Sites with free access to information through the voluntary accumulation of knowledge, in the manner of ancient encyclopedias, but this time organized in a collaborative way: each user contributes their grain of sand.
- Blogs Individual or group pages that serve as a diary, publication or literary text, to share various forms of text and story (including audiovisual) using Internet tools and also receiving feedback from readers or followers.
- Video hosting sites The best known of them is YouTube, a platform where users can upload various audiovisual content and share opinions, comments and tastes on the subject, or also become broadcasters and commentators called “youtubers”.
- Online sales pages Not only sales services, but also exchange of opinions between buyers and contact with companies that offer goods or services. The best known of all are Amazon and eBay.
- Podcasts Radio is not dead, but exists on web 2.0, in the podcast format: broadcasts stored online that allow the user to listen to them whenever and wherever they want, often offering knowledge, tutorials or simply entertainment programs.
- Online presentations Inspired by the PowerPoint program, these pages offer presentation development services for exhibition purposes for companies, schools and universities, allowing the use of the audiovisual and multimedia potential of the Internet in various everyday areas.
- Conceptual and mental maps Another popular service on Web 2.0, especially for study purposes: pages that offer the possibility of creating online flow charts, concept maps and other learning techniques or visual explanation of content. Some well-known ones are Mindmeister, Coggle.it and Mindomo.
