I am beginning to realize that I focus too much on technology tools. But with the emergence of new technologies and applications made available through Web 2. 0, I can understand why. Google docs and Voicethreads are the current technologies of focus using Web 2.o. These technologies focus on collaboration among users. Although these technologies may have been constructed to serve different purposes, I believe together they can be used as a powerful resource in classrooms and training institutions.

Google docs allows users to collaborate on the same document simultaneously. Collaboration is 21st century standard skill. However, collaborating on Google documents may present problems when students are not accustomed to working simultaneously. Many student may experience frustration when portions of documents are overwritten or lost.

Voicethreads offer learner the opportunity to leave audio or video messages to collaborate and communicate with peers. I see this as an option to overcome the frustrations that may arise with using Google Docs alone.

The use of voice threads allows student to communicate the revisions needed on a document. Before the changes are made, students can use the Voicethread to determine if the change is necessary or not. Once this needed is determined, students can proceed to make the changes in an simultaneous or asynchronous manner.

The use of Voicethreads also allows teachers and facilitators to gain a deeper understanding of what learners are thinking doing the revision process. This gives instructors the opportunity to interact with students and guide there learning as during in the lesson.

Web 2.0 is still in it's infancy. However, I see great potential in the communication and collaboration resources offered through its use.

I will continue to watch the growth and possibilities made avialable through use of Web 2.o.

Web 2.0 offers an abundance of control and flexibility that can easily transform standard lessons into portals of instruction. I often here the phrase "Whenever, wherever, whatever" associated with Web 2.0. this statement alone radiates the implications that this technology breakthrough can have on corporate and educational sectors. With rising gas cost and economic uncertainties, this technology may spark a revolution that spans beyond the wall of learning institutions. I take that back, I'll be bold enough to say that this revolution has already begun (remember you heard it here first).

For education, I see Web 2.0 resources as the perfect resource for whenever, wherever, remediation. Student who need additional help in a subject can view a live or recorded broadcast of their classrooms from the school/public library or home. This all comes with little additional effort from the teacher.

Web 2.0 is also the perfect tool for collaboration. Wikis, blogs, live streaming and syndication are all possibilities when using Web 2.0. How do these possibilities effect administrators, teachers, students and designers? The impact of Web 2.0 has a direct correlation with the level of innovation an institution is willing to invest in.

1. Administrators can reach more parents and community leaders by broadcasting school board meetings. 
2. Teachers can communicate with parents.
3. Students can collaborate with other students on educational projects.
4. Designers can spend more time creating innovative tools without being bogged down by the drugging task of network infrastructure maintenance.

With that being said, I already know what questions are going through your mind. What are the legal ramifications behind broadcasting classrooms? How can be sure the infrastructure can handle the demands of Web 2.0? How do we protect students on the Web? Are we investing too much into this innovative technology? At this point, I really do not know. These are issues to be discussed another day on a another post. For now, I'll keep dreaming about the endless possibilities Web 2.0 has in store for us.