The Semantic Web, E-learning and the Classroom

It is very interesting to note that Berners-Lee was concerned that the new success of the Web may lead to a fierce competition. He feared of a situation whereby different proprietors will restrict Web information with the intention to destroy what is known as the open source nature of the Web.

Whilst conducting a research particular on this subject, I further found out that Berners-Lee decided to create a conference with the intention to tell people of a consortium adhering to a number of agreements whereby all opposing parties exposing information on the Web should work together as a teamwork. Such consortium was fundamental so as to be able 'to lead the Web to its full potential...' as stated by Berners-Lee own words. This is done by establishing common guidelines and protocols in order to achieve interoperability of the learning objects on the Web. For instance the W3C is a membership of such consortium which has open technical specification where anyone can make use of them or provide further recommendations.

This makes me think of e-learning in relation to the semantic web. E-learning is not simply concerned with the availability of resources anytime. On the other hand, e-learning involves supporting features that allow for personalization of learning resources and communication which can be both synchronous and asynchronous. It is also capable to support collaborative features. I am inclined to believe that indeed e-learning can be seen as a supplement to traditional teaching. In fact, this gives way to the benefits of personalized learning.

Having said this, thus, the web is all about learning which is shared, consensual and which is split and categorized into different domain specific assets whereby domains are needed in order to filter the information in the right manner.

Before ending this blog, I would like to share a particular quote by Jon Stewart which captured my attention:

“The internet is just a world passing around notes in a classroom.”

Could this quote be relevant to introduce the idea of incorporating e-learning within a classroom? One wonders…

References:

Internet Pioneers: Tim Berners-Lee. Accessed from http://www.ibiblio.org/pioneers/index.html

Sicilia, M., & Garcia, E. On the Convergence of Formal Ontologies and standardized e-Learning.