Don't Use Web 2.0 Tools As a Really Expensive Encyclopedia!

So, I am keeping Web 2.0 as a topic for the second-half of our class as it is one HUGE topic.  Today I write about the trap that teachers sometimes fall into when they attempt to use Web 2.0 tools and technologies - the trap of using these tools as expensive encyclopedias with focus on lower-level learning...find information then repeat it (read and copy).  I think teachers need extensive training on how to use Web 2.0 tools and technologies in an efficient and useful manner.  They also need some additional planning time in order to prepare lessons that utilize these tools. 

This week I actually did a library journal search (and what fun it was - I didn't even have to GO to the library to find and download most of the journal articles).  I found several great articles - one that speaks to using the web for participatory and collaborative learning activities and also provides specific examples of using Web 2.0 tools. Finally, the author provides a good list of Web 2.0 sites for teachers.

The article - Beyond Google by Jen Curwood - talks about focusing on both the technical stuff and the "new ethos" stuff, which Ms Curwood describes as "the nature of learning and participation that they (new digital tools) make possible. Simply put, new literacies are more participatory and collaborative. Here, students can work with others across time and space to learn more about themselves and the world around them. As schools work to integrate new technical stuff into the curriculum, they need to promote the new ethos stuff, too." (pg 49).  I love the idea of "new ethos" stuff...that's what makes all this technology work as learning tools for students.  That is also what our educators need to think about as they begin the journey of developing learning materials which harness the capabilities of the web.  Technology changes have come fast and furious to our new generation of students.  It'll be fun to see how education (especially K-12) changes as we know it.  It's imperative that teachers are provided with a great deal of training on the tools and potential application for collaborative learning.  Not just one inservice day or an e-mail directive.  Anyway, I think it'll be interesting to see how and when education (K-12) changes. Want to make any predictions?

Now one more highlight from the article:

Web 2.0 Sites for Teachers (many of which we may have already explored via our class)

• Classroom 2.0 (http://www.classroom20.com/)
• EdTechTalk (http://www.edtechtalk.com/)
• TeacherTube (http://www.teachertube.com/)
• School 2.0 (http://www.school20.ning.com/)

Source: 
Curwood, Jen (2010).  Beyond Google.  Instructor, 119 no5 Mr/Ap 2010, 49-53.
 Retrieved from:

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