Web 2.0 is a world of tools that can be used in classrooms everywhere, however at RTMS we are just starting to scratch the surface. At RTMS many teachers have a blog. Most teachers, that have a blog, use it to post assignments, worksheets, video, and other content need for class, but students add very little content to the blog. After reading “A Day in the Life of Web 2.0” I wish I taught in that school system! The world we are teaching in now has a need for constant communication between students, teacher, parents and administrators. I hope that teachers will embrace new tools to stream line communication.
As I started grad school, I considered myself computer savvy, however I did not realize how much was out there to use and try out in the classroom. As my academic year began in a new grade level with new standard I had not taught in a while, I struggled to get in the grove of the new year. One of my first grad school classes touched on web 2.0 tools, it inspired me to dive in and try some stuff out. The first thing I tried was podcasting. It was great having students write scripts and record their voices. Second, we used a wiki to personify the elements of the periodic table. These two projects engaged learners in my classroom and created lasting knowledge of content and technology.
While text messaging is not a “web 2.0” tool, it is one way these digital learners use to communicate. All of my students have my cell number and are welcome to text me at any time. I love that they can ask me questions when they are working on homework rather than an email that they have to wait on. If I could use Facebook to communicate with students safely… I would! All most all of my students have Facebook, it is a fantastic communication tool. Students are dialed in to facebook just like so many adults, can’t we use it to communicate?
Today’s 21st century learners digitally connected all the time, but the really question is do they know how to use what they have in their hands? I want to find a way to use a wiki, a blog, and other web 2.0 tools in my classroom. I find that digital projects, activities, and interactions for my middle school students really help students stay engaged in the classroom, but also create lasting memories with my students.
It sounds like your teachers are using their blogs as a communication tool, but are not to the collaboration step just yet. That is similar to most of the teachers I work with, as well. Your podcasting and wiki projects sound like great projects. Both are good tools to use to engage students and not too difficult for the teacher to integrate in the classroom. It is very brave of you to text with your students, but I am glad they are not taking advantage of the privilege. Anything to help with communication! I think your idea about communicating/collaborating with your students in a forum similar to Facebook is a good idea. I'm actually exploring a secure networking site for students and teachers to communicate with each other. I might use it for my emerging technology.
ReplyDeleteAndrea - I think you've got the right idea! I also foresee continued electronic communication between school and home in the future. The feature that I like best about facebook (or any social media tool) is the transparency. The communication is monitored and available for parents and administrators to see. I admire you for communicating with your students via text, but for me, that is not transparent enough. I'm sure that is just a personal choice, so keep up the good work! I really agree with you - the more we tap into the network, the more the students will interact and become the drivers of their own education!
ReplyDelete@B&C- so comforting to see your comments as we start the new semester!
ReplyDeleteMy question to you both... are other facebook type sites really working? Students are so tooned in to Facebook already... cant we just use it too? But how can we make that work?