Web 2.0 and Blogging

Today we had our first workshop session for ICT. I was quite apprehensive about this module as I openly admit that I am not very technically minded. The world of Facebook is a relatively new phenomenon to me. Web 2.0 was new to my vocabulary list, however, as the lecture proceeded I realized that I know what Web 2.0 is but never knew the correct terminology.

A few years ago the Web was primarily used for official reasons, such as finding information, jobs, details and shopping. Many changes have developed throughout the years, hence the overall function of the Internet has taken a turn for users. The Web is now used in a new exciting, personal and interactive context. Communication throughout the world proves extremely easy in today's society. Web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and MySpace have developed their own communities through "social networking". It provides people with a direct, instant and engaging manner in which people all over the world stay in contact.

Blogs and blogging has been invented in recent years and has been an amazing success. A blog is an on-line publishing tool that allows users to express their thoughts, opinions and experiences with other people. It can be described as a "web diary" so to speak. Until today I was quite unaware of the difference between a website and a blog. After completing some research and with guidance from my lecture, I now understand. In simple terms a company or business has a website and communicates with customers, whereas people have blogs and communicate with other individuals.
 http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/06/16/the-difference-between-a-website-and-a-blog/
There are a few portals that offer a blogging service. I have only examined two - The Google Blogger and Edublog. Its essential to find one that you are comfortable working with in order to receive the optimal enjoyment from your blog.

The issues with blogging are similar to that discussed in my first post - E-safety. Blogs are no different to any other Internet programme and should be treated in the same manner. This means that extreme caution should be taken in relation to your Internet identity. Be careful not to give personal details such as your address. Beware and cautious that people are not always who they say they are.

So who is blogs targeted at?In my opinion, the answer is everyone. It suits a wide range of audience and is adaptable to all ages. I never would of imagined myself as a blogger and here I am enjoying it.I find that this programme is extremely useful in schools. It allows students to learn:how the computer functions

• how the Internet works
• how to engage and interact with fellow students on-line
• and how to express themselves.

Many children struggle within the school atmosphere in relation to how to express themselves as individuals. Here is a free medium and outlet that children can openly express their opinions and ideas without being judged. The advantages are endless. All curriculum subjects can be touched and explored while using ICT. As a result we have curricular subjects interacting with each other. This is such a positive contribution to teachers as a practical resource and in many ways it is indispensable. More importantly children enjoy it, it makes learning fun,exciting and stimulates their minds. Don't take my word for it, investigate the following links and decide for yourself. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
http://www.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/ 
http://www.coxhoe.durham.sch.uk/