3. WEB 2.0 AS A RESEARCH TOOL
Just like the Web 2.0 has transformed the Web and the
way people use the Web, we believe that Web 2.0 has the potential
to transform research in technology-enhanced learning.
We base this claim on two observations: rst, on the
wealth and variety of Web 2.0 services that are available
today, and second, on the low complexity of exploiting the
functionality of the services by APIs, which allows to implement
functionality on top of these services.
The wealth of functionality (mostly) freely available
today is unparalleled. To cite but a few examples relevant
for learning: e-portfolios
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, navigation analysis
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,
The Web technology has matured to such a degree
that complex applications can be assembled in a very
short time. Mash-up engines like Yahoo Pipes and Microsoft's
Pop
y
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allow a drag&drop construction of
applications that integrate functionality from existing
services without any programming knowledge. More
complex exploitation is achieved by access through open
APIs.