We all agree that to be successful in today's world, you must have an understanding of technology. The Web 2.0 tools that are available to educators today can be overwhelming. We see in the classroom everyday how these tools have already changed the classroom for the better. I am not a classroom teacher but I am very glad that the teachers that I work with use technology in their classrooms to help the kids learn by any means necessary.
Although these Web 2.0 tools are at everyones fingertips, it is important that we use these tools in a way to help the students learn as much as possible. The earlier that students are exposed and feel comfortable with Web 2.0 tools, the much more success they will have. It is important that students learn how to express themselves, develop more self-confidence, and interact with other students and educators in a effective and respectful manner. What better way to learn all three of these things than from the Web 2.0 tools that most students are already familiar with!
I really enjoyed the article "A Day in the Life of Web 2.0" and believe that if we were able to recreate the events that took place within the article, then the students that we serve would be much more successful than today's graduates. We would be able to not only reach more students by engaging their current love for technology but by also retaining the at risk students with something that they love (technology) and relating it to everyday life. The scenario that was presented within the article is pretty amazing but realistically, I do not foresee it happening anytime soon. Many of the students that we serve, do not have access to the Internet at home. If we truly wanted to maximize our students ability to learn by using the Web 2.0 tools, then we would have to allow time during the school day for them to have access to a computer. The students can also learn from simply watching the teacher use these tools or by getting in small groups and using the computer that is within the room. I look forward to the day when everyone has access to the Internet from the comfort of their own home but until that day comes, there is no reason why a child should not enjoy and learn all about the Web 2.0 tools.
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Besides using the computer labs and every student having at home internet access, how else could you fix the problem of not everyone having internet and access at home to some of the resources you will learn how to create in this class?
ReplyDeleteI also look forward to the day when every child has both equal access at school and at home!! However, limited access at school requires the adoption of an "outside of the box" mentality. Instead of "I can't because I only have one or two computers." we need to look at it with a set of rose colored glasses and ask ourselves "How can I make the most of my one or two computers."
ReplyDeleteGranted, the scenario, for our students, isn't our current reality by any means, but it gives us something to at least aim for and plants those important ideas in our heads regarding what we hope to do with technology in the future.
I thought your post was eloquently worded and look forward to hearing more from you!