USING WEB 2.0 TOOLS TO EDUCATE

BY TRACY LAGANA

Spina Bifida

What is Spina bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or

its coverings. The term spina bifida comes from Latin and literally means "split" or

"open" spine.

What causes Spina bifida?

Although doctors and researchers don't know for sure why spina bifida occurs.

Spina bifida occurs at the end of the first month of pregnancy when the two sides of the embryo's

spine fail to join together, leaving an open area.

In some cases, the spinal cord or other membranes may push through this opening in

the embryo's back.

Statistics:

Spina Bifida is one of the most common severe birth defects in the United States, affecting

about 1,300 babies each year.

How can using Web 2.0 tools educate and persuade individuals about the issue?

Online social networks using the Web 2.0 technology, allows individuals and philanthropic groups to:

Connect people with one another Help spread the word to parents who are faced with

the birth defect Create support groups Encourage fundraisers or events for a charity Wishing wells to assist families in need Encourage individuals to volunteer

What Web 2.0 tools can be used?

Blogs Allows physicians and experts, to provide

commentaries or news on the subject. Allows patient and family members to create a more

personal online diary or a running account of their personal lives.

Videos Help educate viewers on the subject. Create awareness Help with fundraising events

Wikis Used to create collaborative websites and documents Community websites

Online presentations Create, edit and share presentations easily Create tutorials Create simulations

Additional Web 2.0 applications that can be used to reach an audience for

your cause

Media SharingData Storage Bookmarks Feed Trackers Web Office Personal Productivity Publishing

Start Pages Mashups Communities Collaboration Social Systems Search Engines Surveys