Thing 2: What is Web 2.0 and Why Does it Matter?

    

 Web 2.0 is the next generation Internet.  With the increases in technology and social networking, the Internet needed a refocusing.  Web 2.0 is the result.  On a basic level, Web 2.0 allows users to interact with the information they seek.   Information is no longer "read-only" and only in limited formats.  In Web 2.0 information is interactive and in multiple formats. 
     Web 2.0 uses Rich Internet Applications (RIA) to improve the users experiences with the text or information.  These applications often need the user to install plug-ins or download the application.  Some examples of RIA's are Adobe Flash, Java, and Microsoft Silverlight.  
     Web 1.0 was mainly written in HTML.  Web 2.0 however is being written in other language such as XML, which allows for less formatting problems. 
    Socialization is the key to Web 2.0. Applications vary in types.  Some examples of Web 2.0 applications are "blogs, wikis, podcasts, social networking and social bookmarking sites, tagging, photo- and video-sharing, and RSS." 

    

  This exploration of Web 2.0 should have been completed at the beginning of my 23 Things investigation.  The 23 things all fit into Web 2.0.  Media specialists need to be aware of what is out there and why it is important.  Understanding the vast resources on the Internet would help a media specialist or librarian better serve their patrons.  A media specialist who is comfortable with Web 2.0 components would be able to mesh the modern technology into the media website.  Social media definitely has its place in the school media center.  What better way to reach the students than this?  Something their interested in, something catchy and vibrant, fast, and ever changing.   The world is changing and so should school media centers.