High-Tech Inspires the Read/Write Website

This article discusses a group of new technologies--blogs, wikis, podcasts, social bookmarking, online photo galleries, and RSS (Real Simple Syndication)--collectively referred to as the Read/Write web. These tools allow users to easily create and publish online content, and are beginning to have a profound impact on curriculum, classroom instruction, and professional practice. For educators, the new technologies raise a number of important questions. The benefits of using the Read/Write web (freer flow of information, continuous revision, ubiquitous connection to information, and the more social nature of online communication) are discussed, along with their implications for education and some potential disadvantages.