new world, new web, new skills....

  • We live in a world that has become increasingly globalized, a place where "communication and collaboration are possible 24/7" (pg 8).

  • This "communication and collaboration" is due largely to the evolution of the internet from a place of finding information (Web 1.0) to a place that creates information (Web 2.0).

  • With Web 2.0 anyone can create and share information, there are no "gatekeepers".

  • Engaging Web 2.0 requires a new set of skills, 21st century skills. These are simply the methods and knowledge needed to deftly navigate the Web in its present form while maintaining a sense of adaptability to future changes.

  • Since access to the web is world wide, so are the opportunities for employers and employees. The competition for jobs has now become incredibly fierce!

  • Other nations with less developed economies have people who are extremely motivated to acquire their 21st century skills so they can enter this global workforce.

  • These highly motivated, and now highly skilled people are also willing to work for less, an attractive feature for any business.

  • The problem for this nation's younger generations is this: Until our education system reinvents itself to focus on teaching and honing 21st century skills, our students will lose out on countless job opportunities. We, as a nation, are in danger of losing our edge as a world leader because we are not effectively preparing our future workers for the future!

  • The purpose of this book is to discover and discuss the the world of Web 2.0 and how we can best integrate this world into our education system.
Discussion Question: Do you feel that this alarm over students' lack of preparation for Web 2.0 is an overreaction?