Web 2.0 and its language learning purposes by Diana Rodríguez

**Web 2.0 and**
its language learning purposes.

Millions of people
have been using the tools that are called Web 2.0. Although there is no
consensus on exactly Web 2.0 is, the term refers to a second generation of
World Wide Web, making it available for people to collaborate and share
information online easier. Actually there are many definitions in the
literature defining what Web 2.0 is. However, the definitions can display an
extensive variety depending on how you approach Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is "a Web
technology that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing and
collaboration among users" [10]. The key words in this definition
creativity, information sharing and collaboration actually represent how they
can be used in education, in this case, English language teaching.

**Web 2.0 Tools**

Materials used in traditional classrooms are
mostly static text based materials [11].These include main course books,
workbooks, lecture notes and handouts. All these materials are to a great
extent static in essence and language teachers have the responsibility of bringing
interactivity and dynamism into their teaching environments. However, the use
of Web 2.0 tools can add interactivity to language teaching and learning
environments and materials used in these environments. There have been many
studies conducted to explore the use of Web 2.0 tools in language teaching
settings [eg: 12-17]. The number of these studies are continuously increasing
since educators and scholars have been seeking to investigate differents
aspects of Web 2.0 tools. However, there is absolutely a need for experimental
studies to investigate the use of Web 2.0 tools in language teaching in terms
of many aspects. When considered the variety of Web 2.0 tools, the use of these
tools mostly depends on the teachers’ enthusiasm in integrating technology into
their lessons. We believe that, if used appropriately, these tools will have a
positive effect on the teaching and learning process. On the Internet, language
teachers can find a great many Web 2.0 tools that can be used in language
teaching. These tools as aforementioned can bring dynamismand interactivity to
the language teaching and learning environments. If Web 2.0 tools used properly
by the teacher in line with the objectives of the language lesson, after a
careful planning, it may support the language learning process of the students.

**Main differences**
between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0.

**Web 1.0**
It is the “readable” phrase of the World Wide Web with flat data. In Web
1.0, there is only limited interaction between sites and web users. Web 1.0 is
simply an information portal where users passively receive information without
being given the opportunity to post reviews, comments, and feedback.

**Web 2.0**
It is the “writable” phrase of the World Wide Web with interactive
data. Unlike Web 1.0, Web 2.0 facilitates interaction between web users
and sites, so it allows users to interact more freely with each other. Web
2.0 encourages participation, collaboration, and information sharing.
Examples of Web 2.0 applications are Youtube, Wiki, Flickr, Facebook, and so
on.

**References.**

Başal A., Aytan T. (n.d.) *Using Web 2.0 Tools in English Language Teaching*. Internation Conference (ICT ) for language learning.
Turkey. Yildiz Technical University.

WittyCookie.
(2012). What are the major differences among Web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0?. December
5th, 2019, de WittyCookie Sitio web:
https://wittycookie.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/what-are-the-major-differences-among-web-1-0-2-0-and-3-0/