Web 2.0 & Language Learning

In this video Graham Stanley visits the use of emerging technologies to engage the 21st century language learners. He also visits Second life (what some people refer to as web 3.0). Web 2.0 emerged because the way in which people interacted with the web has changed. He believes that the same can be said about educators and the tools they use. Especially with the use of media. Now blogs, wikis, podcasts and videos can be created inexpensively at home or in the classroom.

Blogs can be used to keep track of what is happening in the classroom and can also include links and assignments. Students can use blogs to connect with other students in different parts of the world. Wiki's is a collaborative tool that can be used for classroom projects for posting assignments. The best part about wiki's are that you can reverse to previous revisions if there is a mistake. Podcasting is a way of using voice to connect to other students from around the world. It appeals to the "digital natives". Audio and video files can be downloaded and brought with you on portable music players. This appeals to foreign language classes where students can listen to conversation away from the classroom. Teachers are also now publishing podcasts of their work for students to review lectures.

He ends the video talking about second life which is dubbed web 3.0. This is a virtual world where the "avatars" create everything inside the environment. There are also universities within this environment. They are holding classes in this virtual environment. Most of all this is a social environment. This is a combination of text, video, audio and gaming which appeals to the youth.