Why should we use Web 2.0 tools to teach English?

 As we know Internet has become a useful platform for users because it made easy for anyone to create, upload and share information with Web 2.0 technologies. For that now we are more connected than ever. Based on that social software applications were developed like social networks, podcasting, blogs, etc. All those tools facilitates creativity, collaboration and sharing between users and at the same time allows users to have real time and live connection between them. Also it enhances creativity, communication and collaboration, some words that we use in education. We all use Facebook, Youtube, Google or blogs that let us create communities. They are all Web 2.0 tools that we are familiar with. 

As future teachers, we are about to face a huge change in education and we need to be prepared for that. Some of us have already explored the potential of social networking, media-sharing and other Web 2.0 tools, though they are not designed especially for learning, but they are getting more and more popular everyday among our future students. They have been using Web 2.0 for a long time, they read and write on blogs, upload photos and videos, build personal profiles and interact with each other every day, and have their Facebook accounts. All of this makes it easier for us to use this technology in the classrooms because our future students are already familiar with that through their own experiences as well as motivated to use them.

Below are some reasons why to use Web 2.0 to teach English:

• It increases the creativity. Anyone can write, film and publish a video or an audio in Youtube and Google video.
• It's collaborative. We can easily create social networks and communities. Wikipedia is the best examples for this.
• It provides many opportunities for language practice. Learners can get involved in the writing process by posting blog entries, editing to other pages, etc.
• It helps to motivate shy learners to participate more in the classroom and the willingness to create and share is a great opportunity to learn and participate.
• It creates freedom and independence in learning. Internet is available 24/7 and this encourages our learners to share and learn outside the classroom.
• It helps learners to become familiar with technology by engaging.

Technology is an important part nowadays but I think that the role of the teacher will never be set aside in the process of learning because learners will need guidance, encouragement and motivation. For that as future teachers it is important for us to learn how to take advantage of the new technologies to become good teachers and to have good learners.

Please have a look at this video. 

Do you agree with the reasons to use web 2.0 tools? Do you think that there are others reasons to use web 2.0 tools?  It would be great to read your comments and opinions.