At the end of 2006, Time magazine’s Person of the Year was ‘You'. The cover showed a picture of a computer with an actual mirror in place of the screen, reflecting not only the face of the reader, but also the idea that 2006 was the beginning of the new improved Web. Commonly known as Web 2.0, this second generation of web-based services and software is characterized by its user-generated content and its capacity for facilitating collaboration and sharing between users. In the past we were primarily consumers of information but Web 2.0 allows us to also be producers of information and media using tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, photo and video editors and sharing sites, online word processors, and the like.
Our tech-savvy students, who have never known life without the Internet, use these new tools daily, but mostly outside of school. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has stated, “Today’s education system faces irrelevance unless we bridge the gap between how students live and how they learn.” When students use 21st Century technologies, they are able to meet their intrinsic needs to form communities, ask questions, and earn audience and attention. Today's students will spend their adult lives in a multitasking, technology-driven, diverse world, and they must arrive equipped to do so.Before reading and viewing the media below, preview these questions:
How can we as educators harness the power of these new technologies to engage and motivate students in the classroom? And how can students effectively use the tools to create, communicate, collaborate?
To complete Thing 1 you must:
A. Read the article, "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0."
B. Watch the video, "Pay Attention."
C. Write a comment to this blog post.
A. Read this article "A Day in the Life" by David Warlick (skip ahead past the ad intro). This article gives an excellent description of the application of Web 2.0 tools in a middle school setting.
B. Watch the video, "Pay Attention," embedded below (from YouTube). After viewing, think about how it relates to the use of technology in your educational setting. Are you using any of these technologies or are these ideas completely new to you? Could you begin implementing some of the ideas described? (If you are unable to view the embedded video below, click here to watch the video online.)
C. Answer the questions below by commenting to this blog post
If you scroll down to the bottom of this page you'll find a rectangular field and button marked "Post comment." Typing in the field and clicking the button will allow you to leave a comment about this entry. Note that many educational blogs are set so that comments must be moderated and approved by the blog owner(s) before they are published online for all to read. You can leave a comment on many of the 23 Things assignment entries, however, if you have a question that needs an immediate answer, it's better to email: 23things@lisd.us
Questions:
How can we as educators harness the power of these new technologies to engage and motivate students in the classroom? And how can students effectively use the tools to create, communicate, collaborate?
Congratulations! At this point, you've completed Thing 1 and you’re on your way to learning about Web 2.0 and how it can enhance teaching and learning at all levels. Your next step is to complete Thing 2.
Note: This time you will post your comment on the LISD 23 Things site for Thing 1. Once you have set up your own blog in Thing 2, you will begin to post your responses on your OWN blog. For purposes of course credit, please make sure you are posting regularly on your own blog and labeling your responses (Thing 2, Thing 3, etc.) If you have individual questions about the course, please use email for a direct response: edtech@lisd.us .
Also, if you will LOGIN to Blogspot at the top right before you post a comment on anyone's blog, it will be easier to track that each participant has completed "Thing 1" and the other tasks throughout the course. Thanks.
As an educator of children in a young fives classroom, my initial reaction to the multitude of new technologies is to think, "This is way beyond my students." I think many of my colleagues in early childhood education would also wonder how these new technologies could possibly apply to our young learners. We often feel that our hands are full already with just introducing basic technology to our students, much less finding ways to “effectively use the tools to create, communicate, and collaborate.” But as I am processing this new information, the possibilities of using these technologies with young learners are increasing. For instance, classroom blogs could take the place of the weekly newsletter. Initially, I could update the blog regularly, but eventually I could compose the updates with my students. This would provide a way for the children to review and assimilate their own learning while also communicating with caregivers. I can also imagine the use of audio or video files to record class lessons, discussions, and recitation of rhymes and songs. This would allow parents to see and engage in their child’s learning process. I can envision using many of the other technologies as whole group lessons within thematic teaching units. Although my young learners may not be able to independently utilize the technologies, we could work together as I model the process. I also see new possibilities for collaboration among grade level as well as cross-curricular colleagues. I’m only beginning to realize the possibilities because I’m only beginning to understand these technologies myself. But I am eager to learn more and gain insight from other teachers who have successfully used these technologies in an early childhood classroom.
ReplyDeleteMy reaction to this was that it was way beyond ME! So many of these technologies were one which I ws aware existed, but I certainly had no capablility of accomplishing. Know this, I also know that I need to become aware of how to accomplish some of these tasks in order to keep up with my students.
DeleteI work with older students who know the ins and outs of technology, with whom I have absolutely no way to keep up at this point. Learning how to keep up with them will also provide them with more opportunities to respond to ideas we are studying. They will be likely to be excited about doing the work they are asked to do, creating new things within the contect area, simply because it is technology-driven.They will be able to communicate with me and each other. Collaboration is a definite possibility as we embark into the world of blogging.
All, at this point, is a world of mumbo-jumbo, but soon it will be clear as a blue sky.
As a P.E. teacher, use of technology in my classroom is limited. However, I have already implemented minimal technology...I use "Remind 101" to text students reminders of homework, projects, deadlines, etc. I would imagine adding a Facebook classroom page would be useful as well to reach students not utilizing the texting tool. We use "Webquest" projects to encourage students to gain a deeper understanding of the topics we're discussing in class. Additionally, my students are required to teach specific sports to their peers. They are required to use homemade or internet videos to demonstrate techniques for their sport.
ReplyDeleteI think blogs are a good use of technology as well. Sharing your lesson plans and posting classroom updates not only enhances a student's education it gives parents the ability to be more involved with their student's education. They can see what is going on in their student's classroom.
After we ourselves have a basic understanding, we can then begin to supplement the education of students. Using online tools allows us, parents and educators, the ability to track student performance with ease. Global classrooms, such as Khan Academy, provide students all over the world the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Technology is advancing at a rate that I cannot keep up with. I know there's more out there than I am aware of. Our student's have opportunities available to them that we couldn't have imagined.