Trying to get a handle on the concepts of Web 2.0, social software, folksonomy, metadata, and the cluster of related terms that seem to continually pop up in blogs you follow? I would suggest an article written by Bryan Alexander appearing in the March/April Educause Review (actually I suggest the online version because it is interactive and invites exploration).
I am not certain “official” definitions for some of these concepts (e.g., Web 2.0) exist and one has to appreciate the effort to capture some of the core attributes. I would describe the trends differentiating older and newer versions of the web as a greater emphasis on microcontent (the contribution of elements of information – e.g., blog post), content flow rather than constancy, multi-user contributions of such content, and greater interactivity among users (cross-referencing, tagging). I have taken considerable liberty here and I would encourage you to read the article.
The article continues with a nice review of several categories of software (nicely linked from the online version) and an attempt to consider the educational applications of such services/software. I felt the article was stronger in identifying the concepts guiding these online services and in considering some of the technical aspects than in outlining issues of educational significance.
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