Who knew that the popular catch-phrase of the 1990s "we are becoming a global society," would not only be proven extremely true, but also would change the way we not only communicate with others but enhance education, careers, and many other aspects of our lives. People are better linked to each other today than ever before. Web 2.0 tools have taken us beyond simple contact to collaboration; from simply linking text to connecting via photos, videos, and mapping; from simply reporting or sending information to working with one another to sharing and editing that information online. Web 2.0 offers the separation of form and content enabling people to easily access and modify information.
I agree with Marc Prensky when he states that the children we teach now are “digital learners.” They have the advantage over the older generation. It seems they’ve sprung from the womb with an inherent ability to embrace technology as quickly as it evolves. As librarians, we must realize this and maintain an attitude that acknowledges this fact. The world has become smaller. Web 2.0 tools have truly become “us using us.” However, in his video, “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us,” Professor Michael Wesch’s stresses that there are responsibilities attached. We truly must rethink authorship, copyrights, ethics, governance, and privacy. Instead of raging against the Machine, in education, our charge is to embrace and utilize it.
I believe that Professor Wesch presented his video with the title “Web 2.0…the Machine is Us/Using Us” because that exactly describes the current state of technological affairs. We are using each other; however, we are using each other in a manner that benefits all.
No comments:
Post a Comment