Reimagining Education in the Era of Web 3.0

Web 1.0 began as a read-only medium, web 2.0 distinguished itself as a read and write medium, web 3.0 has established itself as a read, write and execute medium. A major distinguishing factor of Web 3.0 from other versions is that machines are programmed to think to a certain degree. This significant advancement implies the potential for more development education in our digital world.

Table of Contents:

1. What is Web 3.0?

   1. Characteristics of Web 3.0
   2. Features of Web 3.0

2. How does Web 3.0 Improve the learning experience of students?

   1. Virtual Encyclopedia
   2. Virtual worlds & Avatars
   3. Intelligent Search Engines
   4. Online 3D Virtual Labs

3. The Benefits of Web 3.0

4. Why Should we embrace Web 3.0?

What is Web 3.0?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHhAEkG1y2U

This term was first mentioned in 2006 by John Markoff. It refers to the future of the World Wide Web. Tim Berners-Lee coined the term Semantic Web. He describes Web 3.0 as the conversion of the web into a big collection of databases.

Google’s ex-CEO Eric Schmidt stated that the core software technology of Web 3.0 is artificial intelligence, which can intelligently learn and understand semantics at the core of his description. With Web 3.0, the internet is more personalized, accurate, and intelligent.

There are numerous descriptions for Web 3.0. They are all covered in this simple idea - web 3.0 is an upgrade to the internet, just like any other software upgrade.

Characteristics of Web 3.0

There are four significant characteristics of Web 3.0:

1. Intelligence: this is the impact of artificial intelligence on the development of the internet. This characteristic highlights that web 3.0 can intelligently perform tasks and produce output with minimal human intervention.

   
   

2. Personalization: this refers to the term semantic web, whereby individual preferences would be considered during activities performed on the web.

   
   

3. Interoperability: a.k.a pervasive web, this refers to the ability of Web 3.0 applications to be used across different devices. This feature indicates the highly collaborative nature of Web 3. . When a person or a software program produces information on the web and this information is used by another, then the creation of a new form of information or knowledge takes place.

   
   

4. Virtualization: With Web 3.0, there will be an increase in 3-Dimensional environments.

Features of Web 3.0

1. Semantic Web

Unlike previous versions of the web ( traditional World Wide Web), which was a web of documents with limited interoperability, the semantic web is an integrated web, a web of linked meaningful data.

In this version of the web, data can be converted from display only to meaningful information using metadata or ontologies. It is anticipated that the semantic web will be able to read through information like humans do and follow precise instructions.

The semantic nature of Web 3.0 is another key characteristic. It means that machines now can read web content like human beings and follow human directions.

2. The 3D Web

This version of the web will be a 3-D experience. It will be like interacting with a virtual world created through 3D graphics, Avatars, and so much more. Surfing the web will be like walking through the corridors of the internet. It will usher in a new meaning to User Experience as users will be able to experience more through the web than ever before.

4. The Social Web

This refers to the interaction between people using technologies of the World Wide Web. This version of the web will usher in a new level of social computing.

5. The Media Centric Web

Search results will no longer be limited to text. On Web 3.0, there will be access to multi-media objects in search results.

6. The Pervasive & Ubiquitous Web

This has been made possible through wireless networking, computing devices, and artificial intelligence technologies that enable individuals to access and manipulate information where and when it matters.

How does Web 3.0 improve the learning experience of students?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnEQbCbEPJA&list=PLOUFcKagquNKVXdKLUlF4L2DtwJi_VtL3

Before Web 3.0, the web was centered around social communities such as blogs and social media. The tools and services available on the new web will foster a more open approach to learning.

In web 3.0, learning will occur through:

1. Virtual Encyclopedia

3D Wikis would be able to provide a rich & effective environment involving all media and

animation for learners so that they can have a better impact on learning & knowledge.

For instance, a Learner had performed the search and chose one of the results related to information about a specific geographical region. The camera will move to a particular place on the spinning globe to send relevant audio/video information.

2. Virtual worlds & Avatars

Users will be able to interact through movable avatars on the internet corridors as a result of  3D gaming technology, augmented reality, and a simulated environment powered by internet technology.

Some of the benefits include role-play, 3D modeling, and learning through simulation. There is also the benefit of having classes across different geographical locations and in different virtual settings to reinforce the learnings.

3. Intelligent Search Engines

Other versions of the web search result only present results with keywords regardless of if they are useful to you or not, but with web 3.0 every user will have a unique internet profile based on the user’s browsing history to aid in providing relevant and useful information.

4. Online 3D Virtual Labs

The extensive use of 3D interfaces in web 3.0 will enable learners to participate and perform collaborative activities, share results, and exchange information in a more fluid manner. Through virtual labs, students will be able to visit places that are not easily accessible, scenario-based learning can occur through more realistic scenarios and simulations, and it creates more room for collaboration.

Web 3.0 enables learners to create their avatars on the web; interact with each other like in the real classroom environment; as well as to conduct class sessions,  group work,  meetings, seminars,  presentations,  digital exhibitions, role-play, simulations, and 3D modeling.

The Benefits of Web 3.0 in education

For Learners

• The development of E-skills such as ICT Practitioner Skills (the capability required to make research, design and develop, manage and maintain ICT systems); ICT user Skills ( an individual's ability to use ICT systems and devices), and ICT Business Skills (the ability to exploit opportunities provided by ICT, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational performance in key business areas, this type of skill also includes the capability to explore new ways of conducting business processes and to establish new businesses).

  
  

• The development of E-literacy or digital skills: Learning with Web 3.0 provides an environment for learners to build and develop the awareness and skills necessary for an individual to operate comfortably in IT-enabled environments.

  
  

• The development of Soft Skills: will increase their employability and ability to compete on a global scale.

For Teachers

Web 3.0 provides an opportunity for teachers to serve as subject matter experts guiding students through specific learning channels, which increases their earning capability.

Teachers will also develop digital literacy skills, which can position them as consultants within their field of expertise.

Why should we embrace Web 3.0 in education?

Web 3.0 provides practical solutions to many problems that have plagued the education sector for years; individualized learning is more foreseeable and achievable, learning is more hands-on and immersive, and learning is more fun.

More in Learning Using Web 3.0

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnEQbCbEPJA&list=PLOUFcKagquNKVXdKLUlF4L2DtwJi_VtL3
2. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2012/10/what-web-30-really-and-what-does-it-mean-education
3. Read more Web 3.0 stories here.