Light, Daniel. (2011). Do web 2.0 right . Learning and Leading, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Feature_Article_Do_Web_2_0_Right.aspx
Summary:
Today technology is being used universally by the old and young, and while teachers are prone to discourage kids from using electronics in the classroom, it makes more sense to incorporate it into their daily lessons. This article explains how even though technology can be a scary thought when applying it to the classroom, today teachers are fortunate enough to learn from other educators experiences to use technology as a positive educational aid. In this article the author discusses the elements of daily lessons, audience, and appropriate online behavior.
Educators shared their experience of using both private, and group blogs in the classroom as an overall positive experience. Blogs can be used both as a private journal between student and teacher as a form of assessment, as well as as a group blog to encourage communication amongst the classroom. Some positive aspects of the blogs include allowing all students an opportunity to speak up, and participate in a less threatening environment. It also allows students extra time to clearly articulate their argument and use other resources to back up their claim. However, some students may be concerned with the idea that anybody could read their blog postings, and this could discourage meaningful participation. This is why it is important to consider the audience and post assignments that would be of interest to the students and encourage thoughtful posts and conversation. Finally the importance of maintaining appropriate behavior is to create a friendly environment where all students feel safe to present their ideas and take risks. It is important to limit the participants to only members of the class in which you can create a trusting and open community. Students should understand appropriate and inappropriate comments, so that everyone will feel safe to post their ideas with in their online community. Through these elements web 2.0 can be a very effective educational tool that will encourage participation and allow for easy communication even after the school day has ended.
How could you use web 2.0 in your classroom?
I believe that I would use both private blogs and a class blog in my classroom. Private blogs would be a great form of assessment, as students would not have to worry about their peers reading their comments and therefore could genuinely reflect upon their lessons. Here I could read students individual thoughts and learn of things I could have explained better or topics I should recover. In addition, I believe a class blog would be a great tool to encourage an open community where the class felt safe to communicate with one another. Here students could ask questions, and be answered by their peers. In addition, I could use it to introduce a topic where students can learn through conversation amongst one another.
What is one precaution you would make prior to using web 2.0 in your classroom?
While using the Internet, there are many risks that I believe students should be aware of prior to using the web as an educational tool. I believe it is important to explain to students the difference between secure and insecure sites and teach them what is and is not appropriate to post on the Internet such as personal information. I also believe it would be important to establish an open and supportive learning community with in the classroom prior to using class blogs, so the class will understand constructive criticism and appropriate communication amongst their peers.
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