Do you think that Web 2.0 applications will make a big difference to the learning and teaching process in colleges, and if yes, in what ways?

It’s a difficult question to answer because the rate of technological developments is so rapid. Right now there is no doubt in my mind that Web 2.0 technologies can provide the mechanics to encourage more reflection and peer review. Keeping a blog, for example, which can be designed, personalised and incorporate media like images and video, may be a more attractive vehicle for learners to use as an alternative to a paper based type of journal or diary.

The ease with which resources using new media can be created certainly offers alternatives to a more traditional way of producing work and a large proportion of learners will have access to mobile technologies that have the capacity to take images, capture video and record sound for Podcasting. New medias also offer alternatives to learners with additional support needs where an alternative to written materials improves accessibility.

Collaborative learning can be facilitated using blogs and a WIKI (an editable web site) in particular is a great method for learners to co-produce materials which could be the result of combined research. Most WIKI software keeps a history as it is developed and records who has edited pages and what they have added or changed which is important from the tutors point of view. In addition there is usually a discussion tool which learners can be encouraged to use which can demonstrate good collaboration and teamwork.

Web 2.0 technologies do present new issues that colleges have to address in terms of systems and support, but I hope I’ve given just a few ideas of the possibilities for using them for learning and teaching.