My Favorite Web2.0 Tools

Mel's Web2.0 Definition:
Web2.0 creates a computer without any need for memory storage, because it is all stored via Internet. It also eliminates hassle or forgetfulness, since it can be accessed from any unit with an Internet connection. Web2.0 is making us less dependent on our "owned" computers and more dependent on Internet access, making computers a gateway to our stored information vs. the single storage location for all of our information.

Drop Box (Personal Productivity):
Dropbox market's itself as the "magic pocket" and information will not be forgotten at home again due to forgetting a disc, flash drive, or memory card. All of the information can be kept in the web-based folder and stored on multiple electronic devices, while being stored on Dropbox's website. It is the perfect way to manage documents when using multiple electronic devices, such as an at home work station and the school provided work station. No more forgetting the flash drive or external hard drive, because all information can be stored in one spot and in one document.

This can be very beneficial for students and teachers alike. For teachers it can be a lot more functional for taking work home, it is as easy as having the Dropbox folder on the school desktop and on their home computer desktop. Now those forgetful teachers will no longer need to stress about forgetting documents at school, as long as Dropbox is used as the default storage location. For students it makes it a lot easier to work on papers in multiple locations without having 2-3 documents and being unsure of which has the most up-to-date information. It makes it web-based vs. school-based to keep information after graduation. Furthermore, it may be difficult and nearly impossible for some to access the school's web-based H-drive, essentially making those programs worthless. Dropbox is as simple as accessing web-based e-mail: sign-in and all of your information is in one place no matter where you are! This is also good for students who may not have regular access to the same computer, allowing them to make progress at school, the local library, or a friend's computer. This makes it more functional to live without a computer for a long period of time, given access to any computer with an Internet connection is available.

Ustream (Screen Recorder):
Ustream allows anyone with a user name and password to create videos and/or voice recordings. This is the most technologically advance way, to conduct group work or create simple video productions. I recall from my middle school years needing a video camera, editing equipment, and a computer to upload the information on to. Now it is web-based, only one computer is needed and as quickly as the group can log-in and press "broadcast now" they can begin recording. Once the broadcast is complete there are ways to embed the video onto websites, blogs, etc. So instead of the group bringing a physical copy of their show to school it could be easily posted onto a teacher's blog where he or she could review and grade online. Plus if all of the videos are in one location (the teachers blog), it now becomes a one stop shop for viewing all of the group projects. It does not require other media sources to work with in class other than the Internet, eliminating possible incompatibilities with media forms or not downloading information correctly. This way projects, grading, and presentations are streamlined into one place for all!