What's+Web+3.0?

**What the...???**  Just as I thought I had gotten my head around Web 2.0 I find out there's something called Web 3.0. What is it? I don't know that a clear definition of Web 3.0 exists just yet. According the the International Society of Technology and Education (ISTE--this is the organization whose technology standards our school uses) Web 3.0 is also known as the **Semantic Web**. It links data to make it more personal and useful.

A better question is what WILL it look like as the technology is in its infancy. Imagine this: You want to see an action movie at a theater with stadium seating and eat highly rated Ethiopian food nearby in the D.C. area. In theory a Web 3.0 tool would be able to analyze the information you type in and come up with the best options. This makes me think of the way Amazon.com's software links what I search for to similar search patterns of other buyers and then comes up with a list of recommended products. Some experts say Web 3.0 tools could work like a personal assistant, analyzing your previous requests and coming up with suggestions for what and where to eat on any given night or what to purchase for a significant other.
 * What does it look like? **

You'll find Web 3.0 in its inchoate stages in search engines such as Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo. Try this: Go to the **SEARCH OPTIONS** link that you'll find at the bottom of every Google search page. The you'll find a time line and a wonder wheel. Bing and **Sensebot**, a new kid on the search engine block, also have first-generation Web 3.0 features. Its goal is to relate terms or integrate terminologies from many sites.

**What will Web 3.0 mean for education?**  The time line and wonder wheel features under Google's search options link could help further tailor searches for research projects.

**What should I tell high school graduates keen on majoring in computers but not sure in which area to specialize?**  Take classes in search engine optimizing. Search engine optimizers (SEOs) will be in high demand for at least the next 10 years.

Source: Learning and Leading, November 2009. International Society of Technology in Education