What used to be done in the
classroom on chalkboards, and later whiteboards, can now be accomplished with much
more detail and efficiency using Web 2.0 tools. Various forms of multi-media
presentations can be tailored to suit a teacher’s purpose using the internet,
wiki spaces, blogs, web quests, screencasting, social bookmarking, podcasts, and
more. Wiki’s allow students 24-hour access to the information provided by their
instructor, with the ability to communicate, update, and change the information.
Detailed instructions for assignments, due dates, and calendars can be accessed
from home, which is particularly useful for student absences, and for students
who may need visual reinforcement with lectures. Podcasts are extremely useful in
subjects such as math and science; students having difficulty understanding a
process can watch on-line examples, with detailed explanations of all of the
steps involved. Web quests are an excellent way for teachers to initially
engage their students, and to provide detailed directions and expectations for projects, and
social bookmarking is an useful tool for teachers and students to share
their favorite websites on a subject as a network.
The impact of the Web 2.0
tools on education has been tremendous. Gone are the days of students using
outdated encyclopedias to write reports. The amount of information available on
the web is virtually unlimited, and much of it is in real time. Students can
now publish their work in a variety of electronic formats, choosing
whether to make it available to a limited audience, or public. With
wiki’s, students are able to work with a wider audience, allowing for peer
reviewing. Screencasting gives teachers the ability to work one-on-one with
their students electronically by giving them direct feedback on their work, including verbal
and written explanations of concepts that they may be having difficulty with. Students
also benefit by being able to review information provided on-line multiple
times for clarity and better understanding, rather than hearing it only once in
the classroom. Although teachers are outnumbered and unable to give students a
lot of personal attention in their limited class time, they
can now reach out to them electronically with a variety of formats designed to
help them communicate more efficiently. There are a lot of useful options in the
Web 2.0 toolbox, and some formats that may be more useful in one subject than
in another. A resourceful teacher will stay up to date on technology, and then mix
and match the appropriate tools, using fresh ideas and formats to keep their
students engaged.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. You provided an excellent summary. I like how you explained the rise of emerging technology by comparing it to the traditional ways. I learned and tend to expect others to learn the old-fashioned way. In addition to lectures, handwritten notes, and physical books, this method allows me to really think about the information rather than being distracted by the presentation.
However, I am learning that through these Web 2.0 tools that most students probably already know how to use, things like podcasts as you mentioned can truly benefit learning and even dramatically influence a child's success. Also, it allows the instructor to explain more complex ideas with various methods, and with more accuracy. I just hope the "old fashioned way" doesn't become extinct for the people like me who would prefer things to be more black-and-white. Providing these options would be difficult, but a concern necessary to address eventually.
-Kelsey Moore