Thing 1: Read & watch the following perspectives on Web 2.0, technology and digital citizenship. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Welcome parents, we're so glad you're here!

The term Web 2.0 is commonly associated with applicaitons and sites that allow for information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web. The history of the modern Internet can be traced all the way back to the early generations of computers in the 1950's and 1960's. The original networks were actually created and run by scientific, military, and a few commercial enterprises. You can watch a fantastic animated explanation here. But that was then, and this is now. Web 1.0 only allowed us to passively view information that was provided on a website. Web 2.0 allows us to interact and even personalize content on a website. Web 2.0 is not static, it is interactive.

Watch this video by Cultural Anthropologist, Professor Michael Wesch (dubbed, "The Explainer" by Wired Magazine) to get a glimpse into how digital text is different from traditional text. 

The focus of this program is not formal education, but an informal learning experience focused on these tools. At the kick-off party, , we watched this video, also by Professor Wesch called, A Vision of Students Today. Take a few minutes to watch it and bear in mind that video was made in 2007. By the time your children are in their first year of college, how different will the world be?

Our kids are often referred to as Digital Natives. They will never know a life without computers and interactive technology - Meet 1 year old, Joey.

It's not what we do for our children that will make them successful, it is what we can teach them to do for themselves that will make them successful.

We want to be there for them when our children face challenges. So, just like with reading, we should be there and help them learn to use technology and computers. We are moving away from just "literacy" and moving toward Transliteracy; the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and orality through handwriting, print, TV, radio and film, to digital social networks.

There are many issues that we as parents and guardians of children need to be aware of and be thinking about like Digital Citizenship, Privacy and Safety, but please don't be afraid - consider what is Fact vs. Fear.  Using these tools can be FUN! They can help bring you closer to extended family that may live elsewhere and even, perhaps, closer to those living under the same roof. We can extend the parenting lessons we learn in the physical world into the virtual world.

Kids love to play, but the way they play is changing. From an early age, Play is important to a child's development and learning. It is not just physical, but also cognitive, emotional, creative and imaginitive. Young children learn through their senses. Now that technology is changing into a more multi-touch, physically interactive experience, it allows for even greater opporuntities for children to Play.

So, what are the benefits? Why should you care about learning how to use these 2.0 tools? Simple. Your kids are using them. There is no going back and before Web 3.0 is upon us, your kids need you to be actively involved in this part of their life.

This video is not aimed directly at parents, but drives home the message. The power of social media - it is not a fad, it is a revolution.

Last year, PBS aired a documentary called, Digital Nation. The piece explores how technology is reshaping our culture and the realities of our human experience within this 21st Century world. If you don't have time to watch the entire hour and 30 minute broadcast, please take a few minutes to watch this chapter, Old School, New School. In it, they interview teachers and kids about issues like cheating, time pressures, reading and learning.

Through this program over the next 12 weeks, we will introduce you to websites and ask you to engage and experiment with them. Every Monday morning from now until May 1st, we will post a new lesson on this website. Participants will post comments on the lesson. In a few weeks, you will create a blog that will enable you to chronicle your experience. Blogging will be explained in more detail in Week 4.

For this first "Thing," we'd just like you to comment below on what you've read and watched about the philosophy and framework of Web 2.0 and how it is reshaping our society. Most importantly, how are your kids are growing up digital and how can the adults in their lives be involved in their experience?

Why did you sign up for this program?

Where are you in your knowledge and use of Web 2.0 tools?

Can you easily identify a Web 2.0 tool? 

How has the Internet and the vast resources it can offer affected your use of time at work and/or at home?