Microsoft or Google Web 2.0 Tools for Course Management

Authors

Thomas Rienzo, Western Michigan University
Bernard Han, Western Michigan University

Abstract

While Web 2.0 has no universal definition, it always refers to online interactions in which user groups both provide and receive content with the aim of collective intelligence. Since 2005, online software has provided Web 2.0 collaboration technologies, for little or no charge, that were formerly available only to wealthy organizations. Academic institutions at all levels are experimenting with these technologies to improve student learning experiences, and prepare them for a world in which work can be effectively accomplished through collaboration over the Internet, and geographic and time differences become increasingly irrelevant in sharing knowledge. Web 2.0 technologies are not limited to enriching course content. They can also be incorporated into the management and the delivery of college courses as well as the coordination of virtual teams. Detailed comparisons of the two most popular Web 2.0 office technologies from Google and Microsoft are provided in this teaching tip with examples of ways that Google online applications are used in support of managing a large college-wide computing introductory course.

Recommended Citation

Rienzo, Thomas and Han, Bernard (2009) "Microsoft or Google Web 2.0 Tools for Course Management," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 20 : Iss. 2 , 123-128.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol20/iss2/1