The term "Web 2.0" refers to a new age of internet usage in which virtually anyone may contribute to the content of the World Wide Web. While "2.0" is not technically correct according to one of the written perspectives on the term, this number refers to a concept more so than an actual technology. The concept is that we can all participate in the shaping of the Web, and that it can even be used for "instant, global publication" of our thoughts and opinions and/or any factual information that we might be privy to on a particular subject (think Wikipedia).
Social networking has also become a popular aspect of the internet; most school-aged children consider the operation of sites such as Facebook and Myspace to be second nature, and educators would likely benefit from embracing these as tools for the classroom. However, in doing so, extreme precautions must be taken to keep students safe, as it is possible they will come into contact with persons they are unfamiliar with when using the Web.
To me, "Web 2.0" means that the internet is a usable, readily available tool that will make classroom instruction more interesting and interactive for the students that I will one day have. Proper internet use opens up a world of possibilities for educators, and I feel fortunate to be entering the profession in a time of technological advancement such as this.
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