Technology-Supported Online Writing: An Overview of Six Major Web 2.0 Tools for Collaborative-Online Writing

Abstract:

The emergent of the internet and the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) envisaged a system capable of quickly transforming and modernizing the teaching and learning processes. The 21^st century Web 2.0 technologies, such as Edmodo, Google docs, Zoho writer, Blogs, Wikis, and Facebook can be used in blended or virtually online learning classes, forums or courses. They play significant roles in promoting mutual interaction, collaborative platforms for communication and learning among people. This paper aims to give an overview of six major webs 2.0 technologies most capable of providing online writing in blended or virtual online classrooms. It was found that despite the enormous applications of Web 2.0 technologies in education, they are not formally enacted as part of the educational curriculum, though, they are widely considered as techniques that aid learning or used for social interaction purposes per se.