A Theoretical Framework for Evaluating Web 2

The issue surrounding the use of web 2 systems (in particular social networks, social learning and knowledge sharing, and social capital) have drawn much attention in the education, information system, organizational learning, communication, sociology, medical and psychology literature. Each publication highlights a different aspect of web2. As information systems value involves aspects of technology, process, people and context, it is asserted that a cross disciplinary approach will be required to correctly evaluate the possible challenges and benefits presented by web 2. This paper begins with a brief overview of some of these aspects before introducing some more theoretical aspects of web2. Beginning with socio-technical theory, appropriate theories from a diverse cross disciplinary literature base that may be used to build a theoretical framework for further research and understanding of the potential of these phenomena, are introduced.