Abstract: Web 2.0 and virtual world technologies are here to stay. Today, our students come to our classroom with a presence on Facebook, the latest concert as a podcast on their MP3 player, and experience playing games in virtual worlds. In some respects, students are more tech-savvy than their Information Systems professors. Research showing the benefits of collaborative learning is being conducted across disciplines. This Special Issue looks at the use of Web 2.0 and virtual world technologies in information systems classes. In this paper, we introduce this Special Issue by discussing the different types of Web 2.0 technologies, looking at how they are used in information systems education, and examining some of the advantages and disadvantages of using them in the classroom. The final section of this paper addresses some future thoughts regarding the use of Web 2.0 technologies in our classes.

Keywords: Web 2.0, Virtual world technologies, Wiki, Blog, Podcast, Social networks, Virtual world communities

Download this article: JISE - Volume 20 Number 2, Page 137.pdf

Recommended Citation: Harris, A. L. & Rea, A. (2009). Web 2.0 and Virtual World Technologies: A Growing Impact on IS Education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 137-144.