Thing #2 "DIL Web 2.0"

Read the article “A Day in the Life of Web 2.0” by David Warlick

Consider the ways in which Web 2.0 tools might change (or have already changed) my professional practice.

From the beginning of my teaching career 24 years ago, technology has drastically changed the world of education. MP3 player, podcasts, and weekly teacher blogs are accessible to parents and students, as well as other teachers. Technology encourages and makes easier for teachers to interact, team plan, create combination assignments across subjects, and plan vertically. This is especially useful to secondary teachers that teach only one subject. Technological interaction will help them work together to create a more complete, well-rounded education for the student.

Social bookmarking is a great time-saving tool that is new to me. I'm excited about the possibilities of its implementation in my own teaching. Teachers access the shared list independently. Transition time in getting information of searches and online materials is markedly decreased, which, of course, makes the school system run more efficiently. As we advance in our knowledge, more families are getting computers and Internet access.

All class assignments turned in as blog entries raises some ideas in my mind. I can see the author’s point in saying the conversational nature of the blog format encourages more in depth writing and thinking on the part of the students. It effects teachers as well. I requires change their way of thinking. This type of instruction trains the student to be more self-sufficient and take an active part in their learning. That is a good thing. Students would also develop better keyboard skills out of necessity. That will be very helpful to them as adults.

Wikis are interactive expanded blogs. Team members can add to the content of the blog as well as comment on other members’ posts. This approach is beneficial for all involved.

The author supports communication through technology. I agree with that concept. I’m not sure about technology being used to the extent the author describes at this point in time, but who knows where our future will take us.

How might I be able to use these new tools to engage today’s “digital learners?”

Engaging students with technology isn’t the difficult part. Keeping them engaged is the challenge. To maintain their interest, technology must be interactive. Some ideas are still relatively new and being explored. When today's students are grown, things that haven't been invented yet will be second nature for them.

What is Web 2.0 role in 21st Century teaching and learning?

Technology is our future. The younger age at which students are prepared to use it, the more adept and comfortable they will be with technology. They will even get adventuresome. Web 2.0 definitely expands opportunities for teachers and students. We’re past the point of paper textbooks as our sole source of instruction.

Why would I want to use these tools?

My role as a teacher of tomorrow's future leaders is to prepare them for what is to come. I believe technology is a great part of that future. Kids are excited about the possibilities. They don't see obstacles. They see opportunity.