Activity 1.2
What is meant by web-based application?
A web application is an application (word processor, spreadsheets etc) that is accessed through networks on the web via networks such as the internet or an intranet. Some examples of web-based applications include wikis and weblogs.
What is Web2.0?
Web 2.0 is a concept or an attitude, it is difficult to define. In my understanding it is the evolution of the way we use and define software on the World Wide Web. So many changes are constantly happening in regard to the technologies that are in use on the WWW and due to these ever present changes and in order to catergorise these technologies the concept of “Web 2.0″ began. The basis was developed at a conference brainstorming session between O’Reilly and MediaLive International, it seems that they wanted to separate what has become redundant or no longer in use from what is up and coming and most importantly how it is used. I would define it as the attitude around using the technologies within the www.
Many people believe this is just a Buzz word and of no relevance. It seems Web2.0 could be interpreted in many ways and the definition is fairly complex and when concepts are hard to define or explain people will always have their doubts!
For a great article from the people who created the term Web2.0 click on this link:
http://www.oreilly.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
What is its relevance to learning?
Web2.0 is all about low cost, browser based, open communication. It is user generated, user controlled, and involves interesting themes such at trust. Web2.0 is extremely relevant to the Education field as Web2.0 seems to have a lot to do with the sharing and growing of knowledge between innumerable parties. It could be seen and used as a platform to learn together.
Web-based applications I am familiar with:
· Weblogs
· Wikis
· Chat
· Pod/Vodcasting
· Social Networking
· Virtual Worlds
Web-based applications I would like to explore further include:
· RSS & Aggregation
In work context:
In my workplace I have been exposed to a LMS system ultimately used for compliance training. Topics such as Privacy, OH & S, Harrassment, Money Laundering etc.
It is used so that staff can be trained in bulk with flexible timing and to record competence. This training is loathed by all and I personally dont believe much of the content is actually learned. I also aknowledge that with a large company with employees all over the country (and internationally) this type of learning system is here to stay. I have no doubt that there is a lot of room for improvement!
I have also had face to face training and find there are also positive and negative atributes to both. One thing that is seeminly never going to change: People are always going to complain! Personally I benefit more from face to face training and definately believe that a balance is a must!
