Web2.0 is the idea that instead of information being stored on individual computers, information is stored on outside sites in which people can openly view and interact with it. It is meant to make information sharing more direct and accessible, and eases group collaboration on documents and other work. Social networking sites, blogs and video-sharing sites -- e.g. Facebook.com, Blogger.com and YouTube.com -- are examples of the use of Web2.0.
One such tool is TinyURL, a site that allows users to take a very long and convoluted web address (URL) and shrink it into a very small one. For example, this link to a National Geographic ocean photo gallery (http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/photos/oceans-galleries-main/) can be entered at tinyurl.com and TinyURL will generate a smaller link (http://tinyurl.com/5szpjvh). TinyURL also allows you to make a custom tag for the end as well, making it easier to remember.
TinyURL offers several examples and ways to maximize use of the site: http://tinyurl.com/#example. One group of people who might be interested in learning to use it are Twitter users. Because of the character restrictions of Twitter, TinyURL allows links to stories and websites that would otherwise be too long to share. Here's another site that discusses ways to use TinyURL: http://tinyurl.com/c932jl.
As an educator, including websites on printed material for my students or parents takes up less space and makes it much simpler for them to type in and find the information to which I am directing them.
Excellent overview. Thanks for sharing.
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