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Since my last post I've attempted to introduce this concept to a number of people. I've found that it doesn't lend itself to a quick and concise description. Maybe that is simply a function of a relatively complex concept. Maybe the difficulty is in how I'm trying to articulate it.

Let me begin by acknowledging what I think is the seminal article on this topic - Tim O'Reilly's account of the origin of the term and the initial characteristics that were identified. His account is very in-depth and a worthwhile read. O'Reilly's description includes comparisons between Web 1.0 and 2.0 through example sites (Britannica Online vs. Wikipedia) and through characteristics (e.g., static vs. dynamic; centralized vs. distributed control).

Exciting changes are in coming to a school near you. New tools and attitudes on the Web are transforming the once static, one way medium into a dynamic center of multi-channeled collaboration.

This transformation is being described as Web 2.0 and is too big to cover in one post. In this post I'll attempt to provide a coherent introduction and a foreshadowing of future posts that will provide some greater detail and sample applications.

What is Web 2.0? A good place to find a definition is at one of the sites that exemplifies this new web, Wikipedia.

Yes, I know we've heard this before. 'Big changes are coming to education!' However, I don't see how this can't have a dramatic impact. The prototype of the $100 dollar laptop will be unveiled this month at MIT. Also, recent rumblings by politicians such as President Bush and Nancy Pelosi as well as initiatives by cities such as Philadelphia and San Francisco (w/ Google) suggest that wireless access may soon be had by all.