What Is E-Learning 2.0?

The emergence of Web 2.0 in 2004 ushered in a flurry of cumulative changes in the manner developers and users make use of the web. This gave birth to web applications designed for interoperability, information sharing, and collaboration. Among the more popular web applications that came about were social networking sites, blogs, wikis, hosted services, podcasts, video sharing, and most recently cloud computing. Some E-Learning proponents were quick to recognize the potentials of Web 2.0 applications in delivering knowledge and transferring skills. They propagated E-Learning 2.0 which is actually no more than a CSCL based learning platform.

E-Learning 2.0 makes use of free Web 2.0 social applications like blogs, wikis, podcasts, and virtual classrooms. With these social web applications, E-Learning 2.0 injects a social dimension to the concept. It aims to project an image distinct from traditional systems by focusing on social learning built on conversations and interactions among participants. It is founded on the belief that the most effective way to learn something is to teach it to others.

However, E-Learning 2.0 has its detractors who claim that its creation is merely a clever maneuver by E-Learning suppliers to divert attention away from their failed initial attempts to achieve market acceptance. These same detractors claim that E-learning 2.0 is a mere buzz word which will remain as a perpetual neologism.

But whatever its detractors say, E-Learning 2.0 will never be a structured system of delivering information and knowledge like the mainstream systems which are mostly designed for distance education and correspondence schools. The systemwill be the cheap alternative to the expensive and cumbersome Virtual Learning Management Software of traditional systems.

Here are some popular Web 2.0 applications used by many educators:

Elgg is freely downloadable open source social networking software that provides individuals or groups to build an online social learning site. Described as a ‘learning landscape', Elgg offers blogging, file sharing, networking, micro blogging, podcasts, and more. Elgg can be used by educators to build virtual classrooms. Elgg is meant to be installed in your own server but in case you don't maintain your own server you can go to their site and build your virtual classroom there.

Blogging – This is fast becoming the tool of choice for social conversations among students and educators alike. The journal format of blogs allows students to write their thoughts over time like a diary. Teachers, friends, or a bigger audience can join in the conversations by posting comments or critical reviews.

Podcasts – provides a unique way of delivering educational content.