Abstract
The evolution of the web has transformed the way persons communicate and interact with each other, and has reformed institutional operations in various sectors. Examining these changes through the theoretical framework Connectivism, provides a detailed analysis of how the web impacts individuals' context within communities as well as the larger society. This chapter examines the evolution of the web and the characteristics of various iterations of the web. A discussion on the emergence of participatory media and other participatory processes provides insight as to how the web influences personal and professional interactions. Research on how the web has changed cultural contexts as well as systems such as education, governments and businesses is shared and analyzed to identify gaps and provide direction for future research.
TopSuccinct Overview Of The Research
Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate, send and receive information. It has changed the way businesses sell goods and operate services by creating a means for exchanges to take place at any time and any place with the power of the Internet, or World Wide Web (Fang, 1997). For the purposes of this chapter, the terms World Wide Web and the web will be used interchangeably with the assumption that the terms refer to access to and interaction with information and resources that are online. Emerging technological tools such as Smartphones and tablet computers may have the power to change how we work, learn, and stay connected in our personal and professional lives. With the power of the web, synchronous discussion, educational course delivery, and other professional training options now reach beyond traditional face-to-face models. This continual access and connectivity phenomenon provides users with the ability to stay connected no matter where they are. But has this movement to digitize our lives been driven solely by the Internet, or has the influx of Web 2.0 tools created a more socially connected web to engage users as active participants? This chapter examines the evolutions of Web 2.0 tools and technology and explores the influence of social and political perspectives in the evolution of participatory media.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Web 2.0: This iteration of the web is bi-directional, it is interactive, including opportunities to both read and write content and share information via several mediums. It provides platforms for the user to build applications on the web instead of users building applications on their personal desktop.
Connectivism: The idea that the depth and degree to which we understand is directly related to the learner connecting to and exchanging information within the larger community.
Social media: Refers to a group of web-based tools that allow people to construct, reconstruct, and exchange information.
Web 3.0: It is the third generation of the web, and the focus is on delivering a web experience that is personalized by being responsive to the end-users needs and interests. Collects data based on the end-users web activity.
Participatory Media: Media where the user can share their opinions and voice involved in the production of news and entertainment has been precipitated by online technologies.
Metadata: Data that is used to produce information that could be accessed, analyzed, and disseminated by software agents ( Morris, 2011 ).
Portalization: With the use of Web 2.0 tools users can repeatedly return to websites that provide options to meet all their needs such as blogging, email, RSS feeds, etc.