Abstract
“Web 2.0” describes a collection of web-based technologies which share a user-focused approach to design and functionality, where users actively participate in content creation and editing through open collaboration between members of communities of practice. The current generation of students in medical school made Web 2.0 websites such as Facebook and MySpace some of the most popular on the Internet. Medical educators and designers of educational software applications can benefit from understanding and applying Web 2.0 concepts to the curriculum and related websites. Health science schools have begun experimenting with wikis, blogs and other Web 2.0 applications and have identified both advantages and potential problems with these relatively open, student-focused communication tools. This paper reviews the unique features of Web 2.0 technologies, addresses questions regarding potential pitfalls and suggests valuable applications in health science education.
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Notes on contributors
James B. McGee
JAMES B. MCGEE, MD is the Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Director of the Lab for Medical Education Technology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Michael Begg
MICHAEL BEGG is acting Manager for eLearning for Learning Technology Section in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.