Reflecting on everything I have learned about Web 2.0 already, there is one big overlying message: Students today are very different from the students 10 or 15 years ago. They are "digital learners." Students are surrounded with Internet Tools in their personal lives: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter. The list could go on and on. This is how students function and thrive at home; therefore, to best meet the needs of our students, these tools should be promoted and actively used within the classroom. As teachers, we make the realization that some students learn better by listening while others need to truly see something to gain understanding. We are willing to accomodate the different learning styles in our classrooms. It is time that we considered that many students need to be accomodated by encorporating technology use, more specifically Web 2.0 tools, in our classroom.
It is probably pretty standard that many teachers have created a blog for their classroom. Most blogs include homework assignments, important news, or upcoming events. While this is an amazing form of communication and very commendable, it is important to note that good technology use is more than just the use of a blog to communicate to parents. The real learning will take place when students are given the opportunity to learn, share and connect with others while using Internet Tools. Students also need the opportunity to be put in the "driver's seat." Students can be the publishers too!
In the article "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0" by David Warlick, a school shows how they effectively implement Web 2.0 tools to provide a connection from the students all the way to the superintendents to the local community. The information in the article is quite inspiring as you see how this school has created so many lines of communication within and outside of the school building. Ultimately, that is the purpose of Web 2.0 tools - to provide a connection and allow us to learn from those connections.
As I become more versed in Web 2.0 tools and their place in the classroom, I definitely feel more motivated to bring these tools to my students. First and foremost, I really want to engage my students and provide authentic opportunities that allow the students to have ownership in their education. While that sounds like an obvious goal for every teacher, it can be very challenging to engage students while focusing on the state required standards that have to be taught. But it is definitely a challenge that needs to be taken on and I think that using Internet Tools is a great way to engage learners.
I like your idea to use blogs for homework assignments, events, and important news. This could give the parents an idea about what's going on in their child's school. We do give the parents opportunities to be a part of their child's learning.
ReplyDeleteWe really need the students to be more involved in their education. You're right about letting them being the driver by using technology. They would less bored at school and more excited about learning something new when technology is added to the mix.