Preface

In the last five years there has been a phenomenal growth in the widespread adoption of the term Web 2.0 (originally coined in 1999), and the use of its associated emerging technologies. Web 2.0 is a controversial, all-embracing term, used as shorthand for anything from RSS, social networking, blogs, wikis, collaborative and open source software, video and image sharing, web services and folksonomies, to a host of other tools and applications.

Most would agree that whatever Web 2.0 is, it is in a state of ‘constant beta’, and with this in mind we suggest that this book be regarded as a narrative describing experience so far and a signpost to further developments, rather than a definitive work. Web 2.0 is not just about technology, of course, and that is why this work explores its effect on people, especially the social aspects of working and learning together. It looks too at place, real and virtual, and gives an extensive overview of technologies and software.

The authors are experts in their field and they look at aspects of Web 2.0 through the lens of their extensive knowledge. They are drawn from a range of professions, from information scientists to learning technologists, and their combined view gives a rich picture of how Web 2.0 is affecting the world of work and education. If there is one message to take away from the thoughts put forward here it is that we the educators, technologists or information professionals should regard the transformative change potential of the Web 2.0 landscape as a real opportunity imbued with endless possibility.