Introduction to social networking and Web 2.0
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Introduction
The way that we use the internet has changed over the last decade. In 2004, Tim O'Reilly coined the phrase "Web 2.0" to describe the new type of web services that were becoming popular (see his excellent article "What Is Web 2.0" for more information). Since this time social networks that allow users to create a profile for themselves and communicate with other “friends” have seen an explosive growth. They have developed into a variety of different genres, with varied features and levels of interaction that appeal to different groups of people.
Objectives
After completing the tasks provided, lecturers should:
- Understand the basic concepts that make up Web 2.0
- Improve their knowledge of social networks
- Be able to evaluate different social networks for educational purposes
- Be confident in designing a task using social networks
Activity 1: Understanding Web 2.0
The central concept of Web 2.0 is the web as a platform, providing services that users can interact with.
Instruction
Decide whether the following statements describe Web 2.0 websites and activities.
1. Writing a weblog or blog
2. An online encyclopedia such as Britannica Online.
3. Storing information in Directories with a centrally defined taxonomy.
Activity 2: Social networking basics
Social networks are web based tools for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.
Instruction
Which of the following online activities are defined as social networking?
Activity 3: Popular social networks
Social Networks are a popular way for people to share different ideas and communicate.
Instruction
Tick the boxes for different types of popular Web 2.0 websites and social networks which specialise in the following:
1. Sharing Videos
2. Sharing photos or images
3. Which social networks are designed to help users meet new friends and maintain existing relationships?
For more information on popular social networks the Wikipedia list of social networking websites
Activity 4: Blogging
A weblog or blog is like an online diary, with the most recent entry at the top of the page. It has a personal, informal voice and generally, you can comment for free on people's entries and this starts a conversation. Many blogs are based around specialist knowledge of the author and their community of readers.
Instruction
Choose the right option for the following questions about blogging:
1. How can you search for blogs on specific subjects?
2. If you wanted to start a blog, how would you go about it?
3. What types of people should blog?
4. Why is RSS (Really Simple Syndication) useful for bloggers?
Activity 5: Social networks and Web 2.0 use in education
Social networks and Web 2.0 tools have been popular for leisure, business and educational acitivites. Educational institutions have been investigating their value in e-learning to enable students and tutors to share and create content.
Instruction
How would you use the following social networks or Web 2.0 tools for education? Note down your ideas in the boxes provided.
del.icio.us is a social bookmarking tool for sharing, storing and exploring links to websites. Users "tag" content with their own descriptive terms.
Facebook is an online directory that connects people through social networks at schools and colleges.
A wiki is a Web site or other online resource in which users contribute and edit content. The most well-know example is Wikipedia.
A blog, or Web log, is an online journal or reverse chronological publication which is generally maintained by one author and available to the public via the Web.
Activity 6: Design your own task
Instruction
Design a task for your class using Web 2.0 or Social Network concepts.
Design a task to be used with your class. Make sure that you include the aims and learning objectives.
For additional information "An Introduction to Social Networking"
Would you like to review the main points?
© Marga Navarrete / Imperial College / 2008