What is Web 3.0 and How Might it Affect Education?

Posted October 22nd, 2014
By Kris Powers

What is Web 3.0?

Web 3.0 is the next step in the evolution of the Internet and Web applications. Technology entrepreneur, Nova Spivack defines Web 3.0 as “connective intelligence; connecting data, concepts, applications and ultimately people”.

The website, HowStuffWorks.com offers the following suggestion: “Think of Web 1.0 as a library. You can use it as a source of information, but you can't contribute to or change the information in any way. Web 2.0 is more like a big group of friends and acquaintances. You can still use it to receive information, but you also contribute to the conversation and make it a richer experience.”

What about Web 3.0? Some experts believe the next generation of the Web will provide users with richer and more relevant browsing experiences; making searching the internet and sifting through the available myriad of information faster and easier. They envision the Web 3.0 browser will able to make multiple search tasks easier than ever. Examples given include a user typing in a complex multi-step request (“find the closest bowling alley and nearby pizza parlor”) and the Web 3.0 browser establishing location, conducting the complex search of local establishments, including researching ratings and reviews, and then analyzing and organizing the results – making succinct recommendations on both the bowling alley as well as a where to get the best pizza pie in town.

Many of these same experts believe that with Web 3.0, the browser will also have the capability to remember user preferences and the types of information typically searched; and will offer results and information based on the history of the user’s past likes and dislikes. In essence, Web 3.0 will tailor the browsing experience to each and every individual.

How great would it be if that is true? Searches tailored more to the individual; putting the best and most applicable information in front of the user. StatisticBrain.com reports that in 2013, the number of Google searches equaled 2,161,530,000,000. That equals approximately 5,922,000,000 searches per day!

Edudemic recently shared the table below created by Dr. John Moravec that provides insight into the way technology impacts education and the community as a whole. On his website, Dr. Moravec states that “Technological change drives social change, and the impact of these changes is accelerating exponentially. Our schools, universities, and other knowledge-based institutions must leap ahead of this curve for all people to compete in highly globalized, knowledge- and innovation-based societies.”

While I, for one, am not the most tech savvy individual, I find the correlation between technology and individuals fascinating, particularly with regard to education. If we look at the evolution of technology and the impact it has had on education thus far; it stand to reason that the advances in Web 3.0 will only further enhance the use of technology in education as well as expanding education’s reach to many.