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Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
For both internet gurus and online novices, this handy mini-encyclopedia explores the useful and interesting sites—big and small, popular and obscure—that make up Web 2.0, the new online community. From YouTube and Flickr to eBay and Facebook, each website and online application is explained through step-by-step screen shots and examines what each site does, why people use it, how to get started, and any special features. Simple yet thorough definitions for commonly used internet elements—such as tags, bookmarks, blogs, and podcasts—are provided as well as little-known usage tips for expert surfers. Grouped by type, this detailed guide also offers dozens of alternative URLs that cover similar online territory, but with their own unique takes.
- GenresNonfictionTechnology
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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October 13, 2009
The passage that stood out most in the book, “Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask, was found on page 176. It defined social networking as the practice of expanding social contacts by making connections through others. It goes on to say that, “it’s rather like the concept of ‘six degrees of separation,’ the idea that it would be possible for any two people on the planet to make contact through a chain of no more than five intermediaries.” “In a similar way, social networking on the Internet enables people to make new and relevant contacts with those they would have been unlikely to have otherwise met.” (Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More. Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask, 2007)
I am assuming that most people have heard of the "six degrees of separation" theory—the idea that everyone in the world is separated from everyone else by six links. http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story... In other words, it (also referred to as the "Human Web") refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degr...
This passage stood out to me because of the connection made between the “six degrees of separation” theory and social networking. It provides a simple, clear yet profound concept of how social networking works. The idea illustrates the understanding that online social networking provides an easy way to keep up with friends and family and being able to connect with anyone worldwide. For example, if you live a busy life, it can be difficult to keep in touch with friends and still get everything done within a day’s work. However, social networking allows you to add people as friends so that you can easily keep in touch with them anytime. Also, it provides a great destination for everyone to keep in touch, share information, photographs, and even plan to get together. In short, the connection is that interactions occur on a worldwide scale, daily. Thus, providing anyone with access to the Internet, to join an online community.
I read somewhere that study found that low-income students are in many ways just as technologically proficient as their counterparts, going against what results from previous studies have suggested. The implications are that social networking offers tremendous educational potential for students and learning. At an increasing rate, students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems and are being open to new or diverse views, communications and learning skills. Social networking fosters learning and sharing creative original work like poetry and film. Students using social networking sites are actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills they need to develop academically to be successful in today’s society. These implications will have a lasting and positive impact.
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask by Terry Burrows is a popular book of its time because of its representation of distilled knowledge of how to set up, access and use Web 2.0 applications. The author, Terry Burrows, explained the ideas of Web 2.0 and provided straightforward step-by-step guide on how each tool is used. He provided a brief “history of the future”: the historical background of the “evolution of the Web”, its notable enhancement, the birth of the phrase, Web 2.0., and new and interactive ways of how it’s now being used.
Each chapter was easy to understand and certainly applicable. It explained Website tools, its evolution, how it’s used and offer samples of websites that provide actual tutorials for interactive use to help get you started. As well, it provides definitions for commonly used internet elements (such as tags, bookmarks, hosting, games and virtual worlds, blogs, Wikis, and podcasts). The book provided more insight into the design of the virtual world, Second Life. After reading, I have a clearer understanding of its concept and terms such as, “Residents” and “Lifers.”
Grouped by type, this detailed mini-guide also offers numerous alternative URLs that cover similar online territory, with their own uniqueness. It’s a user-friendly, handy, mini-encyclopedia guide to Web 2.0 technology.
The author provides a must have book for both novices and gurus alike. I agree with its content. It’s very useful, helpful and easy to understand. It’s a mini-encyclopedia that explores and provides useful sites, tips and helps that the novice and the expert surfer will want to keep handy. Everyone who uses technology especially for educational purposes should invest in one. I especially liked the author’s comparison of the connection between the "six degrees of separation" and social networking. It provided a clearer understanding of social networking.
The only downside is that with the rapid emerging of technology and in order to foster and extend students skills, the book would have to be revised/updated at least yearly. As technology emerges, the static ideas in the book will be outdated.
I believe that dedicated a whole chapter to educational issues when using Web 2.0 would have added more substance to the book. Additionally, besides the glossary and index, I disagree with the author’s choice not to include a list of resources or collection of links to the Websites discussed at the end of the book. This would have provided convenience for readers to access all there is to know about a certain topic, and is a time-save. Nonetheless, I liked that the book is simple yet advanced in its content.
Although extremely popular, especially among younger generations, social networking sites are not without their issues. The use of Web 2.0 tools allows students to access and use anything at the click of a button—legal or not. There are educational issues that are challenging to student. There are issues of human, social and ethical implications of Web 2.0. For example, allowing students to engage collaboratively online raises issues of ethical, safe and responsible use. Issues such as cyber bullying, inappropriate pictures and personal information published on student sites represent these negative implications. Students say and do things online they would never do in a face-to-face situation.
Two foremost concerns of online social networking are that 1) students may open themselves to public scrutiny of their online personas, and 2) risk physical safety by revealing excessive personal information.
Other pertinent educational issues: There is also the dilemma of copyright and appropriate or inappropriate use. Access to computers , school management systems Internet blocking & filtering of sites, lack of leadership support, fear of changing role in a student-centred learning environment, unawareness of the multi-cultured nature of students outside the classroom, and lack of time to integrate are all current educational issues.
There and many more educational issues need to be addressed if the application of the Web 2.0 content in this book is to be effectively used in extending students ability to “Connect, Communicate, Collaborate and Create.” The author could have designated a chapter to address or to simply list some of these issues. As well, a site reference could have been provided as a resource.
On a scale from 1-5, five being the highest, I give the book, “Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More” by Terry Burrows, a score of 4 for how well the author connected with his audience in exploring sound instructional interactive use of Web 2.0 tools.
In the book, the author explained and analyzed the use of social networking tools (Web 2.0). He did allow for the use of hands-on by providing interactive sites for use. The books explanation of Web 2.0 tools was exemplary in its knowledge, judgments and organization. I strongly recommend this book to novices and expert users for better use of Website applications. I’ve learned a lot about Web 2.0 applications from reading this book.
I deducted 1 point from my review because I supposed that the author should have dedicated a whole chapter to educational controversies in order to foster understanding of the human, social and ethical implication of social networking. As well, a closer look should be taken of the factors that are affected by the impact of technologies of social issues such as student isolation, addiction, safety and privacy and that surround the use of social networking. Maybe in future revisions, he will dedicate a chapter to such educational issues. Nevertheless, I was able to learn and apply a lot from the book. It’s a keepsake. I enjoyed exploring the book’s content.
I am not longer afraid to ask about Web 2.0!!
I am assuming that most people have heard of the "six degrees of separation" theory—the idea that everyone in the world is separated from everyone else by six links. http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story... In other words, it (also referred to as the "Human Web") refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degr...
This passage stood out to me because of the connection made between the “six degrees of separation” theory and social networking. It provides a simple, clear yet profound concept of how social networking works. The idea illustrates the understanding that online social networking provides an easy way to keep up with friends and family and being able to connect with anyone worldwide. For example, if you live a busy life, it can be difficult to keep in touch with friends and still get everything done within a day’s work. However, social networking allows you to add people as friends so that you can easily keep in touch with them anytime. Also, it provides a great destination for everyone to keep in touch, share information, photographs, and even plan to get together. In short, the connection is that interactions occur on a worldwide scale, daily. Thus, providing anyone with access to the Internet, to join an online community.
I read somewhere that study found that low-income students are in many ways just as technologically proficient as their counterparts, going against what results from previous studies have suggested. The implications are that social networking offers tremendous educational potential for students and learning. At an increasing rate, students are developing a positive attitude towards using technology systems and are being open to new or diverse views, communications and learning skills. Social networking fosters learning and sharing creative original work like poetry and film. Students using social networking sites are actually practicing the kinds of 21st century skills they need to develop academically to be successful in today’s society. These implications will have a lasting and positive impact.
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask by Terry Burrows is a popular book of its time because of its representation of distilled knowledge of how to set up, access and use Web 2.0 applications. The author, Terry Burrows, explained the ideas of Web 2.0 and provided straightforward step-by-step guide on how each tool is used. He provided a brief “history of the future”: the historical background of the “evolution of the Web”, its notable enhancement, the birth of the phrase, Web 2.0., and new and interactive ways of how it’s now being used.
Each chapter was easy to understand and certainly applicable. It explained Website tools, its evolution, how it’s used and offer samples of websites that provide actual tutorials for interactive use to help get you started. As well, it provides definitions for commonly used internet elements (such as tags, bookmarks, hosting, games and virtual worlds, blogs, Wikis, and podcasts). The book provided more insight into the design of the virtual world, Second Life. After reading, I have a clearer understanding of its concept and terms such as, “Residents” and “Lifers.”
Grouped by type, this detailed mini-guide also offers numerous alternative URLs that cover similar online territory, with their own uniqueness. It’s a user-friendly, handy, mini-encyclopedia guide to Web 2.0 technology.
The author provides a must have book for both novices and gurus alike. I agree with its content. It’s very useful, helpful and easy to understand. It’s a mini-encyclopedia that explores and provides useful sites, tips and helps that the novice and the expert surfer will want to keep handy. Everyone who uses technology especially for educational purposes should invest in one. I especially liked the author’s comparison of the connection between the "six degrees of separation" and social networking. It provided a clearer understanding of social networking.
The only downside is that with the rapid emerging of technology and in order to foster and extend students skills, the book would have to be revised/updated at least yearly. As technology emerges, the static ideas in the book will be outdated.
I believe that dedicated a whole chapter to educational issues when using Web 2.0 would have added more substance to the book. Additionally, besides the glossary and index, I disagree with the author’s choice not to include a list of resources or collection of links to the Websites discussed at the end of the book. This would have provided convenience for readers to access all there is to know about a certain topic, and is a time-save. Nonetheless, I liked that the book is simple yet advanced in its content.
Although extremely popular, especially among younger generations, social networking sites are not without their issues. The use of Web 2.0 tools allows students to access and use anything at the click of a button—legal or not. There are educational issues that are challenging to student. There are issues of human, social and ethical implications of Web 2.0. For example, allowing students to engage collaboratively online raises issues of ethical, safe and responsible use. Issues such as cyber bullying, inappropriate pictures and personal information published on student sites represent these negative implications. Students say and do things online they would never do in a face-to-face situation.
Two foremost concerns of online social networking are that 1) students may open themselves to public scrutiny of their online personas, and 2) risk physical safety by revealing excessive personal information.
Other pertinent educational issues: There is also the dilemma of copyright and appropriate or inappropriate use. Access to computers , school management systems Internet blocking & filtering of sites, lack of leadership support, fear of changing role in a student-centred learning environment, unawareness of the multi-cultured nature of students outside the classroom, and lack of time to integrate are all current educational issues.
There and many more educational issues need to be addressed if the application of the Web 2.0 content in this book is to be effectively used in extending students ability to “Connect, Communicate, Collaborate and Create.” The author could have designated a chapter to address or to simply list some of these issues. As well, a site reference could have been provided as a resource.
On a scale from 1-5, five being the highest, I give the book, “Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More” by Terry Burrows, a score of 4 for how well the author connected with his audience in exploring sound instructional interactive use of Web 2.0 tools.
In the book, the author explained and analyzed the use of social networking tools (Web 2.0). He did allow for the use of hands-on by providing interactive sites for use. The books explanation of Web 2.0 tools was exemplary in its knowledge, judgments and organization. I strongly recommend this book to novices and expert users for better use of Website applications. I’ve learned a lot about Web 2.0 applications from reading this book.
I deducted 1 point from my review because I supposed that the author should have dedicated a whole chapter to educational controversies in order to foster understanding of the human, social and ethical implication of social networking. As well, a closer look should be taken of the factors that are affected by the impact of technologies of social issues such as student isolation, addiction, safety and privacy and that surround the use of social networking. Maybe in future revisions, he will dedicate a chapter to such educational issues. Nevertheless, I was able to learn and apply a lot from the book. It’s a keepsake. I enjoyed exploring the book’s content.
I am not longer afraid to ask about Web 2.0!!
October 12, 2009
Recently, I finished reading Blogs, Wikis, My Space, and More; Everything you want to know about using Web 2.0 but are afraid to ask by Terry Burrows. I loved the brief but surprisingly though information about many of the mysterious (At least to most of us digital immigrants.) and noteworthy Web 2.0 applications that most digital natives use everyday.
This book answered some of my more stupid questions, you know the ones I don’t want to admit that I don’t know or can’t seem to figure out. For example, how in the world do I sell something on eBay without spending tons of time learning the ins and outs of creating the account and then upload pictures and writing stuff about what I want to sell. In addition, the book provided detailed “how to’s” for a large variety of tools that I didn’t even know existed. This book gave me just what I needed to make the most out of my Wiki and my blog. The book also gave a brief, but through introduction to Second life and even gave some great information about the sites history.
One of the most interesting things about Second Life and something that for me that really stood out to me was Second Life’s connection to a new literary genre that came about in the 1980’s called cyberpunk. Cyberpunk is a branch of Science Fiction/Fantasy that is a recent development. Second Life was created by Linden Research, Inc. in 2003. The book states, “The stated goal of Linden was to create a place like the Metaverse described in Stephen’s novel Snow Crash.” As a former English teacher and current high school media specialist, this was really cool to see the connection between a new genre, a novel, and a whole new world. Librarians probably felt that way about Jules Verne and his novels when they witnessed the space program just getting started.
Personally, I think the main idea of this book is as a quick and easy “catch up.” I think that parents, teachers, and many students need this book to help them catch up with the knowledge many others all ready have and use everyday. There are a several applications that even my digital native students don’t know much about. One of the most pressing educational issues today is the wide expanse between those who are intimately familiar with Web 2.0 technology and those who know little or nothing about it.
For teachers struggling to keep up with the latest in technological teaching tools and their students who are less knowledgeable, this book will help to level the “playing field” and reach across the digital divide. The book is truly about giving the digital novice all the information they need to start using the tools without having to ask the digitally advanced too many questions. In fact, the book may just provide a few interesting tidbits that the digitally advanced don’t know thereby allowing those of use who are catching up to sound at least somewhat intelligent when we must ask for help. This book is a must for parents, teachers, students, and yes even the digitally advanced.
This book answered some of my more stupid questions, you know the ones I don’t want to admit that I don’t know or can’t seem to figure out. For example, how in the world do I sell something on eBay without spending tons of time learning the ins and outs of creating the account and then upload pictures and writing stuff about what I want to sell. In addition, the book provided detailed “how to’s” for a large variety of tools that I didn’t even know existed. This book gave me just what I needed to make the most out of my Wiki and my blog. The book also gave a brief, but through introduction to Second life and even gave some great information about the sites history.
One of the most interesting things about Second Life and something that for me that really stood out to me was Second Life’s connection to a new literary genre that came about in the 1980’s called cyberpunk. Cyberpunk is a branch of Science Fiction/Fantasy that is a recent development. Second Life was created by Linden Research, Inc. in 2003. The book states, “The stated goal of Linden was to create a place like the Metaverse described in Stephen’s novel Snow Crash.” As a former English teacher and current high school media specialist, this was really cool to see the connection between a new genre, a novel, and a whole new world. Librarians probably felt that way about Jules Verne and his novels when they witnessed the space program just getting started.
Personally, I think the main idea of this book is as a quick and easy “catch up.” I think that parents, teachers, and many students need this book to help them catch up with the knowledge many others all ready have and use everyday. There are a several applications that even my digital native students don’t know much about. One of the most pressing educational issues today is the wide expanse between those who are intimately familiar with Web 2.0 technology and those who know little or nothing about it.
For teachers struggling to keep up with the latest in technological teaching tools and their students who are less knowledgeable, this book will help to level the “playing field” and reach across the digital divide. The book is truly about giving the digital novice all the information they need to start using the tools without having to ask the digitally advanced too many questions. In fact, the book may just provide a few interesting tidbits that the digitally advanced don’t know thereby allowing those of use who are catching up to sound at least somewhat intelligent when we must ask for help. This book is a must for parents, teachers, students, and yes even the digitally advanced.
July 1, 2011
Blogs, Wikis,
MySpace, and More
Everything You Want to Know
About Using Web 2.0
but Are Afraid to Ask
by
Terry Burrows
The 224 pages measuring 5 by 7 inches and 0.75 inch thick paperback book was first published in Great Britain in 2007 by Cartoon Books Limited and the first U.S. edition was published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated. ISBN-13: 978-1-55652-756-2. ISBN-10: 1-55652-756-X
What stood out most for me in the book?
Very outstanding for me about this book is the write up with the caption “When Blogs Go Bad!” Here the writer published some legal issues that bloggers have often encountered. He writes “Given the popularity and personal nature of many blogs, it’s not surprising that some have ended up with unexpected consequences for the bloggers themselves. Areas of legal concern have included the release of confidential information or making defamatory remarks. There are also an increasing number of well-documented cases of employees losing their jobs for publishing details of their working or personal lives. In fact, this is now sufficient commonplace to have evolved its own specific term: to be “dooced” is to be fired from your job for something you’ve written on the internet. This comes from the case of Heather Armstrong in Salt Lake City, Utah, who, in 2002, was fired from her job as a web designer for writing a satirical blog about her experiences at a dot-com startup company-she wrote under the pseudonym of “Dooce.” She later offered would-be bloggers sound advice: “I was fired from my job because I had written stories that included people in my workplace. My advice to you is BE YE NOT SO STUPID.”” (p.21)
The writer also cited other legal issues that have been registered, in a chronological order, from 2005 to 2007 around the world.
Why did this passage stand out for me?
This passage stood out for me because it talked about real legal issues that have resulted from the wrong use of Blogs. It is also the only time in the book where the author actually dwelled on legal issues. When I saw the caption “When Blogs Go Bad!” my first thought was- how can blogs go bad? It caught my attention because I really wanted to know how blogs go bad and I found out indeed how they do go bad.
What implications do I think this will have on students and learning?
I think this will help students and other users understand their limitations when using blogs. Students will learn to appreciate and respect the rights and privacy of others. In reading about the law suits and prison sentences students and other blogs users will see the need for netiquettes.
Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
The book is about using web 2.0 tools. The author discusses 103 different web 2.0 tools under 20 categories namely; Blogging, Bookmarks and Tagging, Communications, Design, e-Commerce, Education and knowledge, Games and Virtual worlds, Hosting, Mapping, Music, News, Peer-to-Peer Sharing, Personal Management Tools, Photographs and Videos, Podcast, Portals, Search Engines, Social Networking, Web-Based Office Software, and Wikis & Collaboration. For each of the web 2.0 tool considered the author gives a definition or an explanation of the tool, explains its development and evolution, post a sample web page of the tool, and gives a step-by-step procedure on how to start using the tool with illustrative pictures throughout the process for ease of understanding. The author concludes the explanation of each tool with a list of suggested web sites that relates to the use of the tool and also indicates what is free or not free. The author includes grey boxes through out the book to highlight some important issues of the particular web 2.0 tool. The book begins with an interesting introduction where the author traces the evolution of technology and the web, explaining the technical evolution that the web has experience since 1995. The author also compares web 1.0 to web 2.0 and presents a glossary of important terminology used through out the book.
Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author’s point of view.
The author consider web 2.0 as a term that is currently one of the hottest buzzwords in the media world. He is absolutely right, and also in education. The media utilizes more web 2.0 tools now than ever before. The author sees Web 2.0 as a term that has become inflated through media coverage and distorted by marketing people using it to sell their products. In fact, he continues, it has already become a somewhat meaningless buzzword. But the ideas underpinning the basic concepts are, in themselves, so fascinating that we can’t help but ask ourselves how life online is going to evolve, and what impact it will have on the way we live our lives away from the web, he adds. I agree with these statements made by the author as current trends in education indicates that human development and learning will almost not be possible without web 2.0 technologies. The evidence is in the fact that more and more people continue to embrace and write about web 2.0 technologies. Today we have courses offered in web 2.0 tools and about web 2.0 tools.
Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
Some current educational issues include the need to address diversity and special physical, emotional, and psychological needs of learners. This book seeks to discuss and suggest ways by which these issues could be addressed especially as it relates to different learning styles. The book presents strategies for enhancing differentiated instruction through the use of various web 2.0 tools. The author considers that the 21st century learner interact with technology on a day to day bases and therefore the very reason why the book is written, so that teachers bring these technologies in to the classroom in order to motivate students to learn since they will be using some of these tools that they play with after school. I think the book adequately addresses the current educational issues. In addressing these web 2.0 tools the book projects the constructivists approach of learning.
Give the book a rating and recommendation for audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book is a well written compact and a book that addresses over 100 web 2.0 tools. Particularly interesting are issues on e-Commerce, Music, and design which are discussed. Also unique about this book is the fact that the author discusses the evolution of web 2.0 tools. I will give the book a rating a rating of 5 out 5.
MySpace, and More
Everything You Want to Know
About Using Web 2.0
but Are Afraid to Ask
by
Terry Burrows
The 224 pages measuring 5 by 7 inches and 0.75 inch thick paperback book was first published in Great Britain in 2007 by Cartoon Books Limited and the first U.S. edition was published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated. ISBN-13: 978-1-55652-756-2. ISBN-10: 1-55652-756-X
What stood out most for me in the book?
Very outstanding for me about this book is the write up with the caption “When Blogs Go Bad!” Here the writer published some legal issues that bloggers have often encountered. He writes “Given the popularity and personal nature of many blogs, it’s not surprising that some have ended up with unexpected consequences for the bloggers themselves. Areas of legal concern have included the release of confidential information or making defamatory remarks. There are also an increasing number of well-documented cases of employees losing their jobs for publishing details of their working or personal lives. In fact, this is now sufficient commonplace to have evolved its own specific term: to be “dooced” is to be fired from your job for something you’ve written on the internet. This comes from the case of Heather Armstrong in Salt Lake City, Utah, who, in 2002, was fired from her job as a web designer for writing a satirical blog about her experiences at a dot-com startup company-she wrote under the pseudonym of “Dooce.” She later offered would-be bloggers sound advice: “I was fired from my job because I had written stories that included people in my workplace. My advice to you is BE YE NOT SO STUPID.”” (p.21)
The writer also cited other legal issues that have been registered, in a chronological order, from 2005 to 2007 around the world.
Why did this passage stand out for me?
This passage stood out for me because it talked about real legal issues that have resulted from the wrong use of Blogs. It is also the only time in the book where the author actually dwelled on legal issues. When I saw the caption “When Blogs Go Bad!” my first thought was- how can blogs go bad? It caught my attention because I really wanted to know how blogs go bad and I found out indeed how they do go bad.
What implications do I think this will have on students and learning?
I think this will help students and other users understand their limitations when using blogs. Students will learn to appreciate and respect the rights and privacy of others. In reading about the law suits and prison sentences students and other blogs users will see the need for netiquettes.
Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
The book is about using web 2.0 tools. The author discusses 103 different web 2.0 tools under 20 categories namely; Blogging, Bookmarks and Tagging, Communications, Design, e-Commerce, Education and knowledge, Games and Virtual worlds, Hosting, Mapping, Music, News, Peer-to-Peer Sharing, Personal Management Tools, Photographs and Videos, Podcast, Portals, Search Engines, Social Networking, Web-Based Office Software, and Wikis & Collaboration. For each of the web 2.0 tool considered the author gives a definition or an explanation of the tool, explains its development and evolution, post a sample web page of the tool, and gives a step-by-step procedure on how to start using the tool with illustrative pictures throughout the process for ease of understanding. The author concludes the explanation of each tool with a list of suggested web sites that relates to the use of the tool and also indicates what is free or not free. The author includes grey boxes through out the book to highlight some important issues of the particular web 2.0 tool. The book begins with an interesting introduction where the author traces the evolution of technology and the web, explaining the technical evolution that the web has experience since 1995. The author also compares web 1.0 to web 2.0 and presents a glossary of important terminology used through out the book.
Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author’s point of view.
The author consider web 2.0 as a term that is currently one of the hottest buzzwords in the media world. He is absolutely right, and also in education. The media utilizes more web 2.0 tools now than ever before. The author sees Web 2.0 as a term that has become inflated through media coverage and distorted by marketing people using it to sell their products. In fact, he continues, it has already become a somewhat meaningless buzzword. But the ideas underpinning the basic concepts are, in themselves, so fascinating that we can’t help but ask ourselves how life online is going to evolve, and what impact it will have on the way we live our lives away from the web, he adds. I agree with these statements made by the author as current trends in education indicates that human development and learning will almost not be possible without web 2.0 technologies. The evidence is in the fact that more and more people continue to embrace and write about web 2.0 technologies. Today we have courses offered in web 2.0 tools and about web 2.0 tools.
Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
Some current educational issues include the need to address diversity and special physical, emotional, and psychological needs of learners. This book seeks to discuss and suggest ways by which these issues could be addressed especially as it relates to different learning styles. The book presents strategies for enhancing differentiated instruction through the use of various web 2.0 tools. The author considers that the 21st century learner interact with technology on a day to day bases and therefore the very reason why the book is written, so that teachers bring these technologies in to the classroom in order to motivate students to learn since they will be using some of these tools that they play with after school. I think the book adequately addresses the current educational issues. In addressing these web 2.0 tools the book projects the constructivists approach of learning.
Give the book a rating and recommendation for audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book is a well written compact and a book that addresses over 100 web 2.0 tools. Particularly interesting are issues on e-Commerce, Music, and design which are discussed. Also unique about this book is the fact that the author discusses the evolution of web 2.0 tools. I will give the book a rating a rating of 5 out 5.
March 5, 2009
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
By: Terry Burrows
Reviewed By: Kim Kelly
What stood out most for you in the book? Use a quoted passage if possible. Why did this passage stand out for you? What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
There were several parts of the introduction that stood out to me. The Changing World section in particular had several interesting statements that lead me to ponder over the future not only as a teacher but as a contributing member of society. One quote that stood out to me was, “Now we find that email, instant chat and text messaging are far more common means to communication than any other printed medium.” After reading this quote made me think about the future. Will students need to know how to write in cursive, spell correctly, or even write with a pencil? It seems to me that more and more we are relying on the computer to do this for us. Will keyboarding skills one day become more important then knowing how to print or write in cursive? Also if more and more is done online or on the computer then the learning habits of our students will be like none other seen before. For example, as a student pre-web 2.0, I need to print everything out in order to read and understand what I am reading. Today’s students are more likely prefer to read the text on the computer.
Another quote stood out was the statement about the iphone. “The iphone has started to bridge the gap between phone, computer, camera, and mp3 player.” In the future will the computer be hand held and incorporate all of these technologies? In the future student may have hand held computers that incorporate a variety of technologies in one. If this bcomes
The last quote that really stood out for me was, “But the ideas underpinning the basic concepts are, in themselves, so fascinating that we can’t help but ask ourselves how life online is going to evolve, and what impact it will have on the way we live our lives away from the web.” The future is evolving, that is a fact. What is will look like and how it will change our educational system has yet to be imagined.
Discuss - Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
This book is set up like a how to for Web 2.0 usage. There is a brief introduction discussing the history of the internet and the development of Web 2.0. The book then does a nice job of defining Web 2.0 and its implications for the future. Chapters are separated into various components of Web 2.0 tools. There are sections dedicated to bookmarking, communication, design, e-commerce, education, games, hosting, mapping, music, news, peer-to-peer sharing, personal management tools, photographs, podcasts, portals, search engines, social networking, web-based office software, and wikis. Each section starts with brief introduction to the facet of the online world being focused on. Next, websites are suggested related to the topic of each chapter. Each website that is suggested has a brief introduction and then steps to install or create aspects of the Web 2.0 tool. This is an excellent tool for people experimenting with these 21st century tools. People looking for an easy to read how to book for entering the Web 2.0 world, this book is an excellent option.
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
The majority of the book introduces a variety of Web 2.0 websites and explains how to use them. The author’s point of view is reflected mainly in the introduction of the book. I believe that the author does a good job of illustrating both sides of the Web 2.0 evolution. For example his last statement in the introduction reads, “Some would argue, herald a new dawn for creativity, democracy, and community. The counter argument is that this will ultimately create a desocializing impact as we spend more and more of our time shouting into a huge online abyss with nobody actually listening.” I think that this quote really makes the reader think about the future. I think this quote is telling the reader that the world is changing drastically. Personally, I agree more with the second part of this quote. So much is done online. It makes me wonder if the day will come when everyone just stays in their homes fiddling online. How this will effect human interaction? Already, I feel as though I have seen the results of this new online reality. I have been coaching field hockey for about six years now. At the beginning of my coaching career the number of girls that came out for the team was almost ridiculous. I sometimes had thirty plus girls on the team. In more recent years I have been hoping to have enough girls to field a team. Is this all because of the internet and all the online technology? I do not have research to support this theory but I would be willing to bet that it has played a role in this current trend I have observed.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
In our class, Emerging Internet Technology, we have discussed social networking, social tagging, virtual worlds, and wikis. The book covered each of these areas as well. Despite the fact that the book does not discuss how these topics influence current educational issues, the fact these areas are covered illustrates the relevance of these Web 2.0 tools in our 21st century.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
I would give this book, Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Wanted to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask a rating of 5 stars. I think the set up of the book is very user friendly. It is easy to read and is filled with valuable information that is easy to follow. The target audience is for anyone interested in becoming more familiar with Web 2.0 tools. The book is written in language that is appropriate for young online users to adults. I am glad that I chose this book. I think having it on my shelf as a tool for future use will be a valuable asset for me in the future.
By: Terry Burrows
Reviewed By: Kim Kelly
What stood out most for you in the book? Use a quoted passage if possible. Why did this passage stand out for you? What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
There were several parts of the introduction that stood out to me. The Changing World section in particular had several interesting statements that lead me to ponder over the future not only as a teacher but as a contributing member of society. One quote that stood out to me was, “Now we find that email, instant chat and text messaging are far more common means to communication than any other printed medium.” After reading this quote made me think about the future. Will students need to know how to write in cursive, spell correctly, or even write with a pencil? It seems to me that more and more we are relying on the computer to do this for us. Will keyboarding skills one day become more important then knowing how to print or write in cursive? Also if more and more is done online or on the computer then the learning habits of our students will be like none other seen before. For example, as a student pre-web 2.0, I need to print everything out in order to read and understand what I am reading. Today’s students are more likely prefer to read the text on the computer.
Another quote stood out was the statement about the iphone. “The iphone has started to bridge the gap between phone, computer, camera, and mp3 player.” In the future will the computer be hand held and incorporate all of these technologies? In the future student may have hand held computers that incorporate a variety of technologies in one. If this bcomes
The last quote that really stood out for me was, “But the ideas underpinning the basic concepts are, in themselves, so fascinating that we can’t help but ask ourselves how life online is going to evolve, and what impact it will have on the way we live our lives away from the web.” The future is evolving, that is a fact. What is will look like and how it will change our educational system has yet to be imagined.
Discuss - Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
This book is set up like a how to for Web 2.0 usage. There is a brief introduction discussing the history of the internet and the development of Web 2.0. The book then does a nice job of defining Web 2.0 and its implications for the future. Chapters are separated into various components of Web 2.0 tools. There are sections dedicated to bookmarking, communication, design, e-commerce, education, games, hosting, mapping, music, news, peer-to-peer sharing, personal management tools, photographs, podcasts, portals, search engines, social networking, web-based office software, and wikis. Each section starts with brief introduction to the facet of the online world being focused on. Next, websites are suggested related to the topic of each chapter. Each website that is suggested has a brief introduction and then steps to install or create aspects of the Web 2.0 tool. This is an excellent tool for people experimenting with these 21st century tools. People looking for an easy to read how to book for entering the Web 2.0 world, this book is an excellent option.
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
The majority of the book introduces a variety of Web 2.0 websites and explains how to use them. The author’s point of view is reflected mainly in the introduction of the book. I believe that the author does a good job of illustrating both sides of the Web 2.0 evolution. For example his last statement in the introduction reads, “Some would argue, herald a new dawn for creativity, democracy, and community. The counter argument is that this will ultimately create a desocializing impact as we spend more and more of our time shouting into a huge online abyss with nobody actually listening.” I think that this quote really makes the reader think about the future. I think this quote is telling the reader that the world is changing drastically. Personally, I agree more with the second part of this quote. So much is done online. It makes me wonder if the day will come when everyone just stays in their homes fiddling online. How this will effect human interaction? Already, I feel as though I have seen the results of this new online reality. I have been coaching field hockey for about six years now. At the beginning of my coaching career the number of girls that came out for the team was almost ridiculous. I sometimes had thirty plus girls on the team. In more recent years I have been hoping to have enough girls to field a team. Is this all because of the internet and all the online technology? I do not have research to support this theory but I would be willing to bet that it has played a role in this current trend I have observed.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
In our class, Emerging Internet Technology, we have discussed social networking, social tagging, virtual worlds, and wikis. The book covered each of these areas as well. Despite the fact that the book does not discuss how these topics influence current educational issues, the fact these areas are covered illustrates the relevance of these Web 2.0 tools in our 21st century.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
I would give this book, Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Wanted to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask a rating of 5 stars. I think the set up of the book is very user friendly. It is easy to read and is filled with valuable information that is easy to follow. The target audience is for anyone interested in becoming more familiar with Web 2.0 tools. The book is written in language that is appropriate for young online users to adults. I am glad that I chose this book. I think having it on my shelf as a tool for future use will be a valuable asset for me in the future.
July 2, 2010
I just completed reading Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More; Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask By Terry Burrows. WOW to say the lease. The book was great. And it was right to say “Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 “. It covered technologies I would never thought of being a “Web 2.0” application.
What - What stood out most for you in the book? Use a quoted passage if possible.
“We’re now entering a period where, for a growing number of users, everything they want to do on their computers can be achieved through using application-based web pages.” Page 11
“A good deal of the interest in Web 2.0 issues has focused on aspects of social interaction, whether it be networking, sharing talents and creating new relationships on MySpace; whether creating a dialogue through the use of blogs; whether tagging and sharing websites using Del.icio.us; or whether contributing collective knowledge by editing Wikipedia. Developments of this kind, some would argue, herald a new dawn for creativity, democracy, and community.” Page 18
Why - Why did this passage stand out for you?
Technology has evolved so much that it impacts every little thing we do day-by-day increasing collaboration/interactions between others. There was a time where you had to call to have documents sent to you by mail, a one to two week process. Then you had to take the time to complete them by hand and then to send them back. By the time you completed this, at least two weeks had gone by. With the Web 2.0, more can be done online increasing productivity and time to enjoy those around you. It is amazing that so much has changed. Of interest to me as an educator is the interaction between students and teachers in and out of the classroom. Our social discourse is changing and teachers need to be trained in order to work with students successfully.
What - What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
As previously stated, the classroom environment and the social interaction between teachers and students is changing. Some of the changes are beneficial and some are not. There is more access to information and students are highly motivated when technology is used. I worry as to whether students are truly increasing their skills and knowledge with technology or if they are shortcutting their learning experiences by choosing to take the easy way out. For instance, I was surprised that students in the “Growing Up Online/Digital Nation” video English composition class, preferred to read Sparknotes rather than to actually read Shakespeare. It is not just the summary of the play but how Shakespeare changed our language and the way we think and speak. This gets lost in a superficial summary. Even though I am a Physical Education Teacher, I appreciate skill development to meet goals, especially when we really concerned with literacy. I see the effects of poor literacy every day in my setting and I want to make sure students have all the necessary tools to live well.
Discuss - Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
Just as the book says “.. is a handy mini-encyclopedia of useful and interesting sites, big and small, popular and obscure, that make up the new online community.” Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More jumps right in there listing Web 2.0 applications from Social Bookmarking and Tagging to Wikis and Collaboration. It provides a how- to guide to get started with Web 2.0 applications with pictures and simple directions. I think every teacher learning to use technology could use a copy of this book.
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
I like the author’s point of view. The author speaks to so many people who are afraid of technology. In teaching, there are so many teachers who are digital immigrants that are afraid to use technology in the classroom. Books like this provide a meaningful context of what the applications are and how to use them. The author provides advantages and disadvantages of the use of the applications so that one can make their own decision as whether or not to use the application or not. For instance, when the author discusses blogs, there is a special section entitled “When Blogs Go Bad!” The author provides legal cases that have occurred when blogs were used without adhering to copyright laws and another case in which an employee posted comments about her sex life. This gives the reader and potential user information about the pros and cons of blogging. There are also numerous websites that can be used as resources for teachers or anyone wishing to learn more about Web 2.0 applications. Finally, there is a glossary of technology terms for those who are new to using technology. Overall I found this a very helpful resource for helping teachers and finding ways to use technology effectively.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
One of the most current educational issues is the use of Facebook and whether or not school districts should allow teachers and students to use of social networking sites in the classroom. Currently, my school district has not even considered these sites and the case would need to be made for the educational use of this site. Many school districts do not have any policies regarding the acceptable use of this site. Many school districts have blocked sites like these and do not regard these sites as educational. However, many people believe that these sites can be educational. More investigation needs to be done by professionals to make the case for social networking sites.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book is a great reference for Technology Teacher Leader or technology leaders. I would also recommend this book for all teachers who want to know more about Web 2.0 applications. This book would also be great for beginning technology enthusiasts and students. I rate it a 9 only because there probably should be an updated edition to this book, which was written in 2007. The Internet has grown immensely in the last two years.
What - What stood out most for you in the book? Use a quoted passage if possible.
“We’re now entering a period where, for a growing number of users, everything they want to do on their computers can be achieved through using application-based web pages.” Page 11
“A good deal of the interest in Web 2.0 issues has focused on aspects of social interaction, whether it be networking, sharing talents and creating new relationships on MySpace; whether creating a dialogue through the use of blogs; whether tagging and sharing websites using Del.icio.us; or whether contributing collective knowledge by editing Wikipedia. Developments of this kind, some would argue, herald a new dawn for creativity, democracy, and community.” Page 18
Why - Why did this passage stand out for you?
Technology has evolved so much that it impacts every little thing we do day-by-day increasing collaboration/interactions between others. There was a time where you had to call to have documents sent to you by mail, a one to two week process. Then you had to take the time to complete them by hand and then to send them back. By the time you completed this, at least two weeks had gone by. With the Web 2.0, more can be done online increasing productivity and time to enjoy those around you. It is amazing that so much has changed. Of interest to me as an educator is the interaction between students and teachers in and out of the classroom. Our social discourse is changing and teachers need to be trained in order to work with students successfully.
What - What implications do you think this will have on students and learning?
As previously stated, the classroom environment and the social interaction between teachers and students is changing. Some of the changes are beneficial and some are not. There is more access to information and students are highly motivated when technology is used. I worry as to whether students are truly increasing their skills and knowledge with technology or if they are shortcutting their learning experiences by choosing to take the easy way out. For instance, I was surprised that students in the “Growing Up Online/Digital Nation” video English composition class, preferred to read Sparknotes rather than to actually read Shakespeare. It is not just the summary of the play but how Shakespeare changed our language and the way we think and speak. This gets lost in a superficial summary. Even though I am a Physical Education Teacher, I appreciate skill development to meet goals, especially when we really concerned with literacy. I see the effects of poor literacy every day in my setting and I want to make sure students have all the necessary tools to live well.
Discuss - Discuss the theme of the book. Give us some background on what the book addresses. Try to highlight the main idea and the supporting details of the book.
Just as the book says “.. is a handy mini-encyclopedia of useful and interesting sites, big and small, popular and obscure, that make up the new online community.” Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More jumps right in there listing Web 2.0 applications from Social Bookmarking and Tagging to Wikis and Collaboration. It provides a how- to guide to get started with Web 2.0 applications with pictures and simple directions. I think every teacher learning to use technology could use a copy of this book.
React - Write your response to the book and be specific about why and how you agree or disagree with the author's point of view.
I like the author’s point of view. The author speaks to so many people who are afraid of technology. In teaching, there are so many teachers who are digital immigrants that are afraid to use technology in the classroom. Books like this provide a meaningful context of what the applications are and how to use them. The author provides advantages and disadvantages of the use of the applications so that one can make their own decision as whether or not to use the application or not. For instance, when the author discusses blogs, there is a special section entitled “When Blogs Go Bad!” The author provides legal cases that have occurred when blogs were used without adhering to copyright laws and another case in which an employee posted comments about her sex life. This gives the reader and potential user information about the pros and cons of blogging. There are also numerous websites that can be used as resources for teachers or anyone wishing to learn more about Web 2.0 applications. Finally, there is a glossary of technology terms for those who are new to using technology. Overall I found this a very helpful resource for helping teachers and finding ways to use technology effectively.
Connect - Make connections between the book and current educational issues.
One of the most current educational issues is the use of Facebook and whether or not school districts should allow teachers and students to use of social networking sites in the classroom. Currently, my school district has not even considered these sites and the case would need to be made for the educational use of this site. Many school districts do not have any policies regarding the acceptable use of this site. Many school districts have blocked sites like these and do not regard these sites as educational. However, many people believe that these sites can be educational. More investigation needs to be done by professionals to make the case for social networking sites.
Conclude – Give the book a rating and recommendation for what audience(s) might benefit from reading this book.
This book is a great reference for Technology Teacher Leader or technology leaders. I would also recommend this book for all teachers who want to know more about Web 2.0 applications. This book would also be great for beginning technology enthusiasts and students. I rate it a 9 only because there probably should be an updated edition to this book, which was written in 2007. The Internet has grown immensely in the last two years.
June 29, 2009
Brianna Morris
Emerging Technologies
Book Chat
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
Author: Terry Burrows
Quoted Passage
“These are the early days of an ongoing revolution, but there’s already plenty of amazing stuff out here from which you can choose.”
Why this passage stood out for me?
When Terry Burrows said, “These are the early days of an ongoing revolution,” it made me wonder what else will be developed? It is true that we already have “plenty of amazing stuff” and I am learning so much about what is available through the web 2.0 that I can’t imagine it getting any better. I know it will, but how is the question? What’s next for the Web? It’s amazing what interactive sites are available now and how they can benefit education; I think the next step is focusing on utilizing the web 2.0 to enhance education, having them go hand in hand and bringing all educators on board.
Implications book will have on students and learning
I believe that the Web 2.0 will have a major impact on students and learning especially if teachers can use this book as a reference and a guide as to what to use and how to use different sites in their classrooms. Using a blog to express themselves, a wiki to communicate with teachers and submit assignments as well social bookmarking sites to keep teachers and students abreast with the news and books to help them learn is extremely different from how the rest of the world was taught. Students already use these Web 2.0 sites, now teachers need to bring it into the education field.
Theme of the book and background on what the book addresses
The theme of Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More is exactly that; the Web 2.0 spelled out and explained easily for all to understand. This book is basically a guide to understanding the Web 2.0 and blogging and all they have to offer. It is set up with websites listed and categorized as well as screenshots of those different sites as it explains how to use them and also how to join the sites. It is essential for educators to not only utilize most of these within education but to know what their students are talking about when they say they just “tagged someone” in a video. This book was made to help people that are not so comfortable with the Web 2.0 or just need a resource.
Reaction to book and author’s point of view
The author’s point of view is to essentially get those people unfamiliar with the Web 2.0 to become comfortable with it and learn what is available for them and how to use different sites. It is a “how to” use the new web. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book, I will definitely refer to the guide long after I’m done with my graduate work as I look for new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. I think that because the Web 2.0 is changing at such a fast rate and as the author Terry Burrows suggests that it is already a thing of the past, this book will have to be updated soon. Therefore, I do agree with the author in that there are many people out there that are afraid to ask questions regarding using the Web 2.0 and this book is not only for them but for those who need a reference or cheat sheet every now and then, like me.
Connections between the book and current educational issues
One connection between the book and a current education issue is that many teachers are unfamiliar with most of the sites offered in this book. This book can be very helpful for teachers wanting to incorporate technology into their classrooms. It introduces educators to different social bookmarking sites, wikis, blogs, and even podcasts. It would be great if teachers could utilize podcasts. Parents could see what their children are learning and students could log on at night and revisit a class. This book can open up a new world for educators and it is a resource so it is easy to use. A teacher does not have to read this book cover to cover to learn how to upload a file or use Skype to communicate with another class across the US. The possibilities of utilizing this book are endless.
Rating and Recommendations
On a scale of 1-10, I would have to give this book a 9 for the mere reason that it is already somewhat outdated. I couldn’t find anything about Twitter in this book, which is really big right now. However, 9 is a fantastic rating and I will certainly be bringing this book to school in the Fall so that I can use it as a reference when trying to incorporate technology into my third grade lessons. I also will be using it to plan for inservices in helping my staff to become more familiar with the Web 2.0 and how it can be used in education. I am glad I choose this book and I would recommend it to any teacher out there who feels their students know more about the Web then they do. Just like the title of the book, “Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More; Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask,” this book is for you!
Emerging Technologies
Book Chat
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More: Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
Author: Terry Burrows
Quoted Passage
“These are the early days of an ongoing revolution, but there’s already plenty of amazing stuff out here from which you can choose.”
Why this passage stood out for me?
When Terry Burrows said, “These are the early days of an ongoing revolution,” it made me wonder what else will be developed? It is true that we already have “plenty of amazing stuff” and I am learning so much about what is available through the web 2.0 that I can’t imagine it getting any better. I know it will, but how is the question? What’s next for the Web? It’s amazing what interactive sites are available now and how they can benefit education; I think the next step is focusing on utilizing the web 2.0 to enhance education, having them go hand in hand and bringing all educators on board.
Implications book will have on students and learning
I believe that the Web 2.0 will have a major impact on students and learning especially if teachers can use this book as a reference and a guide as to what to use and how to use different sites in their classrooms. Using a blog to express themselves, a wiki to communicate with teachers and submit assignments as well social bookmarking sites to keep teachers and students abreast with the news and books to help them learn is extremely different from how the rest of the world was taught. Students already use these Web 2.0 sites, now teachers need to bring it into the education field.
Theme of the book and background on what the book addresses
The theme of Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More is exactly that; the Web 2.0 spelled out and explained easily for all to understand. This book is basically a guide to understanding the Web 2.0 and blogging and all they have to offer. It is set up with websites listed and categorized as well as screenshots of those different sites as it explains how to use them and also how to join the sites. It is essential for educators to not only utilize most of these within education but to know what their students are talking about when they say they just “tagged someone” in a video. This book was made to help people that are not so comfortable with the Web 2.0 or just need a resource.
Reaction to book and author’s point of view
The author’s point of view is to essentially get those people unfamiliar with the Web 2.0 to become comfortable with it and learn what is available for them and how to use different sites. It is a “how to” use the new web. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book, I will definitely refer to the guide long after I’m done with my graduate work as I look for new ways to incorporate technology into my classroom. I think that because the Web 2.0 is changing at such a fast rate and as the author Terry Burrows suggests that it is already a thing of the past, this book will have to be updated soon. Therefore, I do agree with the author in that there are many people out there that are afraid to ask questions regarding using the Web 2.0 and this book is not only for them but for those who need a reference or cheat sheet every now and then, like me.
Connections between the book and current educational issues
One connection between the book and a current education issue is that many teachers are unfamiliar with most of the sites offered in this book. This book can be very helpful for teachers wanting to incorporate technology into their classrooms. It introduces educators to different social bookmarking sites, wikis, blogs, and even podcasts. It would be great if teachers could utilize podcasts. Parents could see what their children are learning and students could log on at night and revisit a class. This book can open up a new world for educators and it is a resource so it is easy to use. A teacher does not have to read this book cover to cover to learn how to upload a file or use Skype to communicate with another class across the US. The possibilities of utilizing this book are endless.
Rating and Recommendations
On a scale of 1-10, I would have to give this book a 9 for the mere reason that it is already somewhat outdated. I couldn’t find anything about Twitter in this book, which is really big right now. However, 9 is a fantastic rating and I will certainly be bringing this book to school in the Fall so that I can use it as a reference when trying to incorporate technology into my third grade lessons. I also will be using it to plan for inservices in helping my staff to become more familiar with the Web 2.0 and how it can be used in education. I am glad I choose this book and I would recommend it to any teacher out there who feels their students know more about the Web then they do. Just like the title of the book, “Blogs, Wikis, MySpace and More; Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask,” this book is for you!
July 5, 2009
Book: Blogs, Wikis, Myspace, and More: Everything you want to know about using Web 2.0 but are afraid to ask
By: Terry Burrows
Reviewed by: Trisha Turk
Quoted Passage
“One technical development we can expect is that most of the software we currently use will not have to be bought and loaded onto our computers, but will be built into websites and accessed via a browser.” (Burrows, 07)
This passage really stood out for me because we have already seen this trend starting to come through Web 2.0. Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more goes into these websites that offer software that is built into the websites and do not have to be purchased. There will always be those websites that offer extras with their software that you would have to purchase but for basic software, most will now offer it without purchase.
Implications on Students and Learning
As stated above, websites are offering software through their sites without purchasing anything. Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more offers these websites that can influence students learning and also how educators teach. These sites will make a huge difference in student’s learning by being so readily available. Many low-income districts do not have the budget to purchase great software for their students. Reading Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more gives educators and districts the realization that you don’t need to purchase software to bring great technology into the classroom. They can follow the step by step directions in the book to download the software onto their computer or just run it through the website.
Theme of the Book
Blogs, Wikis, Myspace, and more is a resource book that should be placed on your bookshelf and read more than once. This book is extremely user friendly for students or teachers to use. It is split up into categories and then each website is explained in detail with pictures and words of how to download and use the software offered. I read this book once but will definitely use it as a reference in the future and will read certain sections again when I am ready to bring a new software/website into my classroom. Even after explaining in detail a few websites for each category, the book gives a list of over 20 more sites to visit that go along with the same premise.
Response to Author’s Point of View
Terry Burrows wrote this amazing book for anyone that is interested in using the newest technologies whether it is for personal or business. His point of view was to create a user friendly book that anyone could read and gain something that is of use for them. I think that there should be more books like Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more. There are so many books not a days that do highlight the newest technologies but they are not as too the point as what Burrows has done. Burrows seems to understand the fast pace world of technology because he wrote a book that could easily be read in a couple days or readers could find information in an instant. Most other books that have the same theme are long and drawn out, which in-turn makes it hard to find and retain information. With Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more, I can go back into the book a year from now looking for a new site on Podcasting and be able to find a website in a matter of second and now how to download it in a matter of minutes. Not many books can do that for a reader.
Connections Between the Book and Current Educational Issues
I think the biggest educational issue is funding for technology. Working in a low-income district, we do not have many resources to integrate technology into our classrooms. Most districts do not realize the software and websites that are out there that do not require purchasing. Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more, highlights numerous websites and software that are easily downloadable that teachers or students can use to bring technology into the classrooms. This is not to say that Burrows does not talk highlight sites that are available for purchase but he gives a good mix of free sites and ones that require some sort of purchasing. Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more should be a book that is in every school for a resource. It may not have to be in every classroom but at least in every library.
Conclusion/Rating
As you can tell, I have thoroughly enjoyed Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more by Terry Burrows. On a scale from 1-10, I would have to give it a perfect score. This book was so much more than I expected. Like I had mentioned before, so many books along the same theme are long and drawn out. They could not really be used as a reference. Burrows has written a book that can be used as an excellent resource in any classroom. I would recommend this book to be in every classroom or at least in every library. Blogs, Wikis, Myspace and more is a very inexpensive book that highlights hundreds of sites that will expand your knowledge of using Web 2.0 for personal use or in your classroom/business.
Want to read
October 20, 2010Sydney Tassone
October 17, 2010
Good Reads
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
By Terry Burrows
This book is an encyclopedia of a wide variety of Web 2.0 tools, each tool is described and then there is a brief tutorial on how to use it. The book organizes the tools into blogging, bookmarks and tagging, communication, design, e-commerce, education and knowledge, games and virtual worlds, hosting, mapping, music, news, peer-to-peer sharing, personal management, photosharing, podcasts, portals, search engine, social networking, web based office, wikis and collaboration. Overall, the main idea of the book is the use of web 2.0 tools and then gives specifics on example sites/programs. As you can tell by the extensive list of categories, this book contains a lot of good information for anyone interested in web 2.0 tools. As for educators, this book does not tailor instruction of tools specifically to application for schools but it teaches one how to use it well enough that they can apply it to wherever you need.
The section of the book that I focused on the most in the beginning was blogging later I found the section on wikis and collaboration was very useful. The latter section discussed Wikipedia and how to use it and edit it. In addition, the book gives directions on how to create a wikipage yourself using various programs (wikispaces, wetpaint, and others). I focused on this section the most because, at the moment, I see this being the most likely web 2.0 tool I can integrate that the kids can really get their hands on.
Although the wiki section was the one I focused on because of its practicality, the part of the book that stood out to me was the section entitled, “A Brief History of the Future.” This section discussed the evolution of the internet in more detail than I’ve ever known.
“So where exactly did the World Wide Web come from? It was the brainchild of British scientist Time Berners-Lee. While working at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, he proposed a project based on the concept of a hypertext markup language (HTML) to enable researchers to share and update information. I was on August 6, 1991 that Berners-Lee put the first website live. Its URL was http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/The..., and it looked pretty much like a web page in the modern sense.”
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More Terry Burrows
This section stood out to me because I never knew who started the internet or really got it to what it is today. I, of course, jumped online immediately to find that site still in existence and regularly maintained. They just celebrated 20 years on the internet back in 2009.
I think this book will have an impact on learning today because it helps equip users with the know-how to tackle a new web 2.0 tool without needing classes or anything. The language used in this book is teacher friendly, and may be useful for high school students as well. With the use of this book, additional technology can be integrated into the school without any physical equipment being needed. I think this book will encourage teachers to integrate more because they will feel more ownership of the tools, rather than the tools owning them.
Through reading the introduction, you can tell the author has vast knowledge of web 2.0 tools and their importance in life. I tend to agree with him. I think that the tools that are currently available online are so useful, many things I didn’t know I needed before, now I can’t live without, such as my delicious account.
Currently, schools are pushing teachers to incorporate more technology but funds are always being cut. Web 2.0 tools are a cost efficient method to satisfy the technology demands. This book encourages novice users to master additional tools and be able to incorporate them into various settings.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone that is unclear on how to use web 2.0 tools, or to someone that would like to learn more (or something if they know nothing). I would rate this book at 9 for the category of reference material because it is clear, to the point, and has many examples how to use the tools with directions on doing so. This book could be used from high school through adulthood, for people with little web knowledge to web masters.
October 17, 2010
Good Reads
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More Everything You Want to Know About Using Web 2.0 but Are Afraid to Ask
By Terry Burrows
This book is an encyclopedia of a wide variety of Web 2.0 tools, each tool is described and then there is a brief tutorial on how to use it. The book organizes the tools into blogging, bookmarks and tagging, communication, design, e-commerce, education and knowledge, games and virtual worlds, hosting, mapping, music, news, peer-to-peer sharing, personal management, photosharing, podcasts, portals, search engine, social networking, web based office, wikis and collaboration. Overall, the main idea of the book is the use of web 2.0 tools and then gives specifics on example sites/programs. As you can tell by the extensive list of categories, this book contains a lot of good information for anyone interested in web 2.0 tools. As for educators, this book does not tailor instruction of tools specifically to application for schools but it teaches one how to use it well enough that they can apply it to wherever you need.
The section of the book that I focused on the most in the beginning was blogging later I found the section on wikis and collaboration was very useful. The latter section discussed Wikipedia and how to use it and edit it. In addition, the book gives directions on how to create a wikipage yourself using various programs (wikispaces, wetpaint, and others). I focused on this section the most because, at the moment, I see this being the most likely web 2.0 tool I can integrate that the kids can really get their hands on.
Although the wiki section was the one I focused on because of its practicality, the part of the book that stood out to me was the section entitled, “A Brief History of the Future.” This section discussed the evolution of the internet in more detail than I’ve ever known.
“So where exactly did the World Wide Web come from? It was the brainchild of British scientist Time Berners-Lee. While working at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, he proposed a project based on the concept of a hypertext markup language (HTML) to enable researchers to share and update information. I was on August 6, 1991 that Berners-Lee put the first website live. Its URL was http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/The..., and it looked pretty much like a web page in the modern sense.”
Blogs, Wikis, MySpace, and More Terry Burrows
This section stood out to me because I never knew who started the internet or really got it to what it is today. I, of course, jumped online immediately to find that site still in existence and regularly maintained. They just celebrated 20 years on the internet back in 2009.
I think this book will have an impact on learning today because it helps equip users with the know-how to tackle a new web 2.0 tool without needing classes or anything. The language used in this book is teacher friendly, and may be useful for high school students as well. With the use of this book, additional technology can be integrated into the school without any physical equipment being needed. I think this book will encourage teachers to integrate more because they will feel more ownership of the tools, rather than the tools owning them.
Through reading the introduction, you can tell the author has vast knowledge of web 2.0 tools and their importance in life. I tend to agree with him. I think that the tools that are currently available online are so useful, many things I didn’t know I needed before, now I can’t live without, such as my delicious account.
Currently, schools are pushing teachers to incorporate more technology but funds are always being cut. Web 2.0 tools are a cost efficient method to satisfy the technology demands. This book encourages novice users to master additional tools and be able to incorporate them into various settings.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone that is unclear on how to use web 2.0 tools, or to someone that would like to learn more (or something if they know nothing). I would rate this book at 9 for the category of reference material because it is clear, to the point, and has many examples how to use the tools with directions on doing so. This book could be used from high school through adulthood, for people with little web knowledge to web masters.
March 8, 2013
While this book was interesting, like most books that give you Internet resources, links and their associated web site often go into the Interwebs circular bucket. Even with that, it provides an excellent look at what's out there with helpful hints for the beginner web surfers as well as old hacks like me. Of note is the lack of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Yahoo favoritism - we report, you decide - what Faux News says and never does.
The author went deeper into what is out there awaiting you and gave excellent resources for the reader to explore further. While it may not be worth purchase, it is definitely staying on my list with my local library as a ready reference, for future reading and recommending to others.
The author went deeper into what is out there awaiting you and gave excellent resources for the reader to explore further. While it may not be worth purchase, it is definitely staying on my list with my local library as a ready reference, for future reading and recommending to others.
April 27, 2009
Did you ever wonder what a blog is? Or what a myspace is? Or where in the world is a wiki, let alone a carmen sandiego. Did you ever want to text message someone but didn't know how to work the darn thing? Or sign up for a Skype account even though you don't know what skype is? Or have trouble programming your coffeemaker even though you dream of waking up to the smell of freshly-brewed Folger's gourmet blend? Or eaten too many raisins? Or even crossed the street without looking both ways carefully and you realize there's a car coming at you, courtesy of peripheral vision, and you later have a vision of backing up your files on a remote server?
August 24, 2010
This is a very basic book. Some of the topics I was familiar with, and I skimmed or skipped over them. However, I did find useful information (on the most A-B-C level) for the topics that were new to me. Again, nothing went too deep with practical applications. I would have to find another book and some trial-by-fire attempts to educate myself. But, it was an introduction that encouraged me to explore further.
September 18, 2009
Neat little book giving brief descriptions of web 2.0 applications, programs and websites. This will undoubtedly be out of date pretty quickly but for someone wanting some basic information about web 2.0, it is a great little book.
February 21, 2009
Fantastic! I learned more about the resources I'm already using and discovered some new sites for me personally and to put on our website @ work.
December 10, 2014
I was read this book little, but before I starting to reading. I was think if this book is today technology social network. So I pick up to look at it, I
January 23, 2016
Nice, short snippets on how to do many things on Web 2.0, but you never had the time to figure out. Good to keep nearby as a reference.
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