The emergence of web 2.0 began with a brainstorming session between O'Reilly Media and Media Live International to make the internet relevant again after the dot-com crash. Web 2.0 describes changes to how software developers use the internet, especially the rise of user-generated content and social media through technologies like blogs, wikis, social networking sites. While these new technologies enable users to create and share digital content, social networking also raises privacy and security concerns when personal information is shared online. Mahara is an online portfolio and social networking tool that allows users to create, share, and restrict access to collections of their work and learning experiences.

2. The emergence of web 2.0 The idea of web 2.0 all began with a brainstorming session between O’Reilly and Media Live international. Even though web 2.0 sounds like a new version of the web, it was not there intention to do this, it was more of an effort to make the internet matter again after the .com burst. They new things were changing about the internet and web 2.0 was what was going to the change was going to be.

3. Web 2.0 is no update to any technical specifications of the internet, it changes the way software developers use the internet. The best way to explain web 2.0 would be that is a trend in the internets technology. Web2.0 hosts a new generation of web-based communications such as blogs such as wordpress.com, social networking sites like bebo and myspace, and wikis.

4. Advantages The social aspect. To create content, and get involved in the applications. Creating digital content. To share and generate knowledge and information. You can control and create your own personal data. We can get the most out of: Blogging Wikis; wiki spaces for student projects etc. Social bookmarking for example del.icio.us. Podcasting. Social networking.

5. Disadvantages It gives everyone the opportunity to express their views and conflict can occur because of the online communities without specific rules. Security is a big issue as it has limited security levels. Potential for data loss or misuse.

6. Social networking sites allow users to create and build online communities. In these communities we can share information online. Examples of social networking sites would be bebo, facebook, and myspace. All of these sites allow members to interact with other users by bloging, chating, messaging, email, voice chat, discussion, video and file sharing. One of the first forms of social networking sites that came about in 1995 was classmates.com, which linked old classmates to each other.

7. Advantages Good method of communication, sharing data between friends and family. Interaction with the pc for younger users. You can keep in touch with friends and family all over the world.

8. Disadvantages Cases have been reported in the UK and US of 'sexual predators' posing as teenagers and trying to solicit young children and teenagers. Security issues involving your personal information on the internet. You should never give out your personal details on social networking sites. Members can get bullied on their social networking sites.

9. An online portfolio is a collection of files and evidence managed by a user on the internet. An online portfolio can be seen as a learning record of a persons work and is evidence of achievement. If you choose to make your online portfolio available to the online public, it can be beneficial to the audience for educational purposes as well as common interest. Artists and photographers might use online portfolios as a way to share their archives of work to the world and to help them to keep a good record of their work. Online portfolios, like traditional portfolios can allow a student to reflect on their own learning. Online portfolios can contain the following electronic files: Microsoft word Images Blog Multimedia Hyperlinks

10. Mahara is an online portfolio application as well as being a social networking application. It allows users to create their own personal online portfolio of their own learning experiences and work. The social networking aspect of Mahara is that it allows users to interact with each other to communicate and share their work. Mahara offer users the option of who they want to see their work and you can restrict certain people from viewing your portfolio. Mahara allows users to insert Youtube videos and Flickr photos.

11. It offers “Views” so you can select a view so that they could make a their latest project only visible to their teachers and you could have pictures of your party up and set up a view for your friends only. So teachers cant see. Other features of Mahara Allows users create their own blogs. Résumé Builder – allows users create their own personal CV. Includes a file repository which allows users to: Create folder and sub folders structures Upload multiple files quickly and efficiently Give each file a Name and Description

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