Web 2.0 for Universities

I have been researching about Web 2.0, and I found one university that discussed about how effective the web 2.0 can be, and the pros and cons.

“Kansas State University”, in United State, investigated to find out what Web 2.0 could mean for universities. Harriet Swain, the education guardian of the Kansas State University talked about the survey he’s given to the students and weighs the pros and cons.
Created from an online survey, it involved students surveying themselves, demonstrating how useful web 2.0 can be for universities in market research. In this survey results, it will be shown as an example of how effective web 2.0 technologies are in projects involving collaboration.
“Brian Kelly, UK web focus at UKlon, the national center of expertise in digital information management says that two years ago everyone was wondering whether web 2.0 had any relevance for higher education. Also says, ‘I think that’s generally accepted now.’”
“Les Watson, interim director of information services at Royal Holloway, University of London and a consultant for the Joint Information Systems Committee, which supports universities’ online activities goes further. ‘Anyone who thinks about learning and teaching and looks at these technologies cannot avoid taking advantage of them.’”
Nowadays most of the universities are taking advantage of web 2.0. Some are allowing students access to podcasts and videos for their lectures. Some others schools are encouraging students to collaborate through Wikis and using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds to organize their own work. And many others are now giving feedback to their students’ works through Skype and using other social networking sites, both for their own research and to encourage students’ debate.
“Watson set up a Facebook site asking for suggestions from students what they would like to see provided in the new space. 200 students have given comments and they were constructive, however Watson admits: “You also had a few people with an axe to grind.” – this highlights the fact that web 2.0 presents dangers too. One institution reported three examples of serious problems in one year involving students' use of the new technology including the victim of a student scuffle using Facebook to identify the address of his attacker, and getting his revenge.”
There is also awareness for students who have been accessed to podcasts and YouTube videos of lectures, they may not bother turning up to the real thing. This may affects their education and grades.
“These dangers are surmountable. Institutions are issuing guidelines to students about how to keep safe while social networking, but students are still turning up to lectures. However, copyright and intellectual property issues involved in web 2.0 remain vague, and it’s not yet entirely clear how far students want universities invading their online space.”
“A survey carried out last year showed that 65% of sixth formers hoping to go to university used social networking sites, but most failed to see how they could be used for teaching and resented the idea that academics could interfere in a forum they saw as primarily social.
Most of those involved in universities’ use of web 2.0 nevertheless insist that institutions should not become overcautious. Kelly says; ‘Universities should be risk-taking organizations. Learning is a risky process.’”