In this module, you’re going to explore some of the technological underpinnings of the Internet and Web 2.0, and understand what is about current information tools that make them particularly potent facilitators of existing and potential social networks. Social networking itself is, of course, as old as humanity itself—but it is not until recent times that technologies specifically focused on the creation and expansion of social networks have come to prominent public attention—to the point where they, arguably, have fundamentally reshaped the information environment. How many of us would like to return to the Bad Old Days of a decade ago, when user concerns were of only minimal interest, most of the Internet still featured one-way information distribution, “friends” were people we actually knew, and dancing cat videos were few and far between. Well, perhaps the latter two aspects still have some merit—but going back from an Internet where users are equal if not more important as content providers and participants of interest to the old one-way channels and Information gods is unlikely to ring many chimes.
As source material for your exploration of Web 2.0 technologies we have identified the following sources as required readings. If you don’t really pay attention to this material, it’s really unlikely that you can write an acceptable paper on the topic below, let alone an exceptional one. We spend quite a lot of time trying to identify useful sources for you that bear on our topics for analysis; while we strongly encourage you to conduct your own further research and identify additional useful sources, this should be an add-on to the basic material rather than a substitute for it. Our Module 1 sources include:
Majchrzak, A., & More, P. H. B. (Apr 2011). Emergency! Web 2.0 to the rescue! Communications of the ACM. 54(4), 125-132. [EBSCOhost database at Trident library]
Hwang, J., Altmann, J., & Kim, K. (2009). The structural evolution of the Web 2.0 service network, Online Information Review, 33(6), 1040. [ProQuest database at Trident library]
Andriole, S.J. (2010). Business impact of Web 2.0 technologies, Communications of the ACM, 53(12), 67-79. [EBSCOhost database]
Netzley, M. A.& Rath, Akanksha (2012). Social Networks and the Desire to Save Face: A Case From Singapore. Business Communication Quarterly. 75(1), 96-107. [EBSCOhost database]
Erickson, L. B. (Jan/Feb 2011). Web 2.0 and Social Networking for the Enterprise. [Review of the book Web 2.0 and Social Networking for the Enterprise, by J. Bernal]. Research Technology Management. Arlington: 54(1), 67-68. [ProQuest database]
In addition, the optional readings expand on many of the central points; you may also want to do some independent research of your own to clarify any issues that concern you.
Case Assignment
When you have read through the articles and related material, please compose a 5- to 7-page paper in which you:
• Compare the impact of Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0. Provide details on each and discuss how each has evolved from its forerunner Web interface. What do you see as the future of the Web in Web 3.0?
Assignment Expectations
You Will Be Particularly Assessed On
• Your ability to inform, comment, and analyze—simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
• Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of communications and information systems correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
• Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to Trident’s “Writing Style Guide” for guidance on APA formatting and style.
