Web 2.0 Reaches the Classroom, and Beyond

by rhyen | January 26, 2008 at 4:37 PM

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Yesterday, I sat in on an undergraduate sociology class here at UC Berkeley called "Virtual Communities/Social Media." It's being taught by Howard Rheingold, the author of Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution. I've heard good things about this book, and though I have yet to read it, I am subscribed to his website's RSS feed, and it frequently has good tips and tidbits about Web 2.0 technology and community, as well as integrating Web 2.0 tools into the classroom.

Unfortunately, his class conflicts with my web design and coding classes (hurray!) this semester, so I'll only be able to audit a few sessions. But, in the true spirit of social media, Rheingold operates his class as a wiki, parts of which are public. Even the class notes, which he types during class directly into the wiki, are posted for anyone to see.

So many topics - like building online identities, designing and maintaining online communities, and using online networks for social change - had me itching to learn more, that I've gone ahead and ordered the assigned reader anyway to explore on my own time. But I wanted to share the link with you because most of the readings are available online for anyone to check out. He also includes tutorials on how to use wikis, blogs, social bookmarking and mash-ups.

A couple of other things Rheingold mentioned - the class wiki uses socialtext software, but like Maria, he recommends peanut butter wiki, as well as wetpaint. He also played an interesting video, A Vision of Students Today, about whether or not the current education structure connects with modern ways of learning.

I myself am excited to see academics like Rheingold reaching to embrace Web 2.0, teach it in their classrooms, and even make the learning public. I'd love to hear if anyone else found this material useful.

Comments

Sounds like you are living the dream... Thank you for the links. I am grateful for this group. Your post reminds me that there are people out there who "get it" and realize in order to be a member of the Web 2.0 revolution you have to teach it to your peers...
Goldie Davich, PulseWire Online Intern

I completely agree, Goldie. As a side note of quirky interest - Rheingold is 61 years old, and showed up for class in a rainbow-checkered shirt and plaid blazer (complete with patched elbows, of course.) Goes to show - Web 2.0 experts and enthusiasts are by no means limited to the young! Not only can anyone "get it" - they can teach it too - even to college undergrads who should be "naturals."

rhyen

Thanks for the links! I'm looking forward to checking these out and seeing how we can put them to use at our organization.

Stephanie

Good to hear from you! Are you still working with The Oregon Center for Christian Values? What's new there these days?

-rhyen

Because my new mantra is "Media literacy IS a civic duty." Thank you so much for sharing what you're learning, Rhyen. I get giddy every time you talk about the incredible things you're cultivating down there!

Rock on.

Maria