Web 2.0 and Tiny URL... What are they?

Web 2.0: A brief explanation

This very blog is an example of Web 2.0; social networking sites such as blogs, "facebook" and "myspace" to name a few have become a new standard in the internet and the implications for what the web stands for. In an effort to make the internet more collaborative and interactive, the usage of the term "Web 2.0" essentially refers to the movement of creating a true online community. Where as before the internet was constructed as a tool for merely viewing information (a passive action), the shift has been made for all to come together and both read, write and contribute in general to sites people can access online. Perhaps most interesting is that new technology has not been created as a means for the usage of Web 2.0, rather people are just using the internet in new ways (such as creating their own website which can be interactive).

Another important component of Web 2.0 is that your saved information can be accessed from any computer and at any point (think Google Docs - hit the save button and your writing is saved until you delete it). The days of only accessing information from the computer the document was originally saved on are long gone.

Screenr and it's many uses:
Screenr provides the ability to create an instant and free screencast that can be viewable from any computer (or smartphone!)  at any time. Up to five minutes can be recorded and inserted onto a Powerpoint presentation, YouTube video, Google Presentation, etc. Within the classroom context, students can record themselves presenting speeches, watch interviews or listen to a presentation. This method of media instruction can greatly enhance student interest and participation because the format of the class momentarily shifts from direct instruction to an inclusion of media. By involving students and letting them record their work, the option can be given for students to practice and rehearse at home and present their video work in the class. This can decrease student anxiety regarding presentations and does not "put them on the spot" if they need more preparation time before they verbally contribute their thoughts. This tool would be a huge asset for both the shy and quiet student as well as for the student that is a perfectionist and would like to spend more time on their work.

Visual breakdown of Web 2.0

Tiny URL: The opposite of long URL!
Problem: Copy and paste of a long URL can take a long time, and takes up a great amount of space. Consider the difference:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nadri-cubic-zirconia-drop-earrings/3058412?origin=category&resultback=2360 (Long URL)

OR -

http://tinyurl.com/44x35el (tiny URL) 

Which looks better? Which takes up less space? Both lead to the same pair of earrings... how is this possible? It's easy and can be summarized in a few steps:

1. Copy and paste the long URL
2. In a new window or in the same window, open tinyurl.com
3. Paste the long URL into the box
4. Click on "Make TinyURL!" button
5. Voila!

So how would this feature enhance student learning?  Two main ways: One is that the URL takes up less space and is less of a distraction for viewers. The second is that less error can occur with a shortened URL. Were an instructor to pass out a handout for the student to look up a website on their own, or were an instructor to write a link on the whiteboard, the chances of students copying or typing the URL incorrectly greatly increase. Shortening the URL link decreases the margin of error as well as decreases student frustration of locating the typo.