According to Wikipedia a Web 2.0 tool is commonly associated with web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, and user-centered design. It allows users to interact with each other as contributors to the website's content. Some Web 2.0 tools discussed in my educational technology course were: wikis, social networks and cataloging such as Twitter and Face book, librarything, delicious, and flickr, along with video-sharing sites such as You Tube, ITunes, Brainpop, and films on demand. Each tool has great potential, but where there is potential there are also risks. Teachers must continue to monitor and evaluate student progress. Individuals that use any Web 2.0 tools should first examine each to see which resource is effective and beneficial to their learners while considering individual needs and appropriateness. I believe that all the tools listed above are important from an educational standpoint.
There are more schools with inclusive classrooms today than ever before. Within these environments instruction is geared towards both disabled and nondisabled that must focus on communication, social, language, and academic skills. Since computers and the read/write web have evolved significantly over the past decade students are becoming more technological savvy. The internet can enhance skills to increase learning and decrease inappropriate behavior. After examining each of the tools indicated above I found that there are more potentials than risks. For example, both Twitter and Facebook are tools that can be used to increase social and intrapersonal skills. With each students are able to communicate with their peers on different topics explored during class. For nonverbal students both Facebook and Twitter can help them to express their personal views and opinions on topics as well. The risk of using Twitter is that it can be time consuming if individual allows it to be. Since there are only 140 characters there may be concerns about grammatical errors and spelling. With Facebook the risk is students using the site for inappropriate discussions with peers or friends. Once again this is where teachers and parents must frequently monitor progress.
Librarything is a great cataloging tool that students can use to discuss literature, focus on the six traits of writing, summarize and use descriptions of books, develop guided comprehension questions, etc. I think that by using this site students will become more interested in different genres because they are making connections not only with their peers but also with people around the world.
Delicious is such a great Web 2.0 tool to use during research. There are plenty of times we’ve searched the web and wished we’d saved the site so that we can go back to it later. Using delicious/favorites we are allowed to save all necessary information that way it will always be there for future references.
Another Web 2.0 tool I know students would absolutely adore is Flickr. The first 5 letters in this word should automatically tell you its purpose. Using pictures to collaborate experiences, to show a process during experiments, to develop stories, etc. is beyond exciting. Many of our children are visual learners and with flickr students are able to discuss images that are interesting.
Let’s not forget our auditory and kinesthetic learners. Video-sharing is a great way to incorporate learning strategies for all learners. Using videos and podcasts in the classroom can grasp the reader’s attention and keep them actively engaged during instruction. YouTube, ITunes, Films on Demand, and Brainpop all have free resources for teachers that are accessible and available for use at any time. Teachers must remember to examine all content before using any tool . Structure and organization is key so one can’t expect to come into the classroom and share a video or podcast without fully examining its content.
None of the tools above should be used to replace the curriculum. All tools should be used as a means of support to instruction instead. The overall purpose of using Web 2.0 tools is to incorporate different strategies to increase social and academic skills. Determining which tools are appropriate for learners is important. Every student is unique what works for one may not work for the other; however, Using too many can also ineffective. With that being said in order to modify instruction one must more than one tool.
Below you will find a website that includes many useful Web 2.0 tools.
http://oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=3
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Very thoughtful blog, Monique. I agree with you about the caution we use. Interesting though, I think that social networking such as Facebook and Twitter actually hinder in some ways social interactions because people can now hide behind a screen and take little risk with people face to face. Of course, just having presented on nonverbal learning disabilities, one could argue that this could be a tool for such a student who has deficits around social interaction.
ReplyDeleteI found this week's assignment challenging but very informative. I too, really liked librarything. I feel kind of like a child in a candy store who cannot taste things fast enough...
Great looking blog!
Gail, I agree how there are also advantages of using Twitter and Facebook to assist students with learning deficits in order to gain social skills. There are many useful resources available. Setting expecations and limitations on Web 2.0 tools is imperative. This will keep the student structured and well aware of what is and isn't allowed.
ReplyDeleteMonique Butler