ABSTRACT
As Web 2.0 asserts its influence in the daily lives of students, teachers and educators in general are exploring the possibility of its application in formal education. Educators have both a fascination with the reasons why it has become so popular and a curiosity about the education potential it offers. Strawbridge (2010) argues that the challenges associated with Web 2.0, similar to the issues raised by other types of technology used in an educational context, can be surmounted and those who pioneer its use will demonstrate how. The more researchers and practitioners document their findings, the easier it will be for educators to know how to best implement Web 2.0 in educational settings. This will maximise their chances of success and will help substantiate Web 2.0’s role in education. This chapter underlines the importance of empirical research in assessing Web 2.0’s didactic value. Additionally, it argues that the deployment of the social Web in education must be adapted to the specificities of each setting.
