Web+2.0+Technologies

=**What do you think of Web 2.0 technologies?**= =**Which would you prefer to use in your classroom and why; blogs, wikis, podcasts?**= Write a reflection about your experience in class with the work we have done exploring classroom websites and creating Web 2.0 technologies. Based upon what you have experienced in class, think about how you can use these communication tools with your students, what your hesitance might be, and also the benefits. Also try to include your thoughts about the literacy skills and strategies that would be necessary for students to use these technologies. Share your posts on the wiki link below.

**If you post a thoughtful reflection (no more than 500 words) on this wiki it will count as one of your 10 point reflections or one of your three weekly responses.**
Reminder: In order to post just click "edit this page", write your thoughts, and click "save".

Although web 2.0 technologies are very time consuming and somewhat risky, I absolutely think that learning about this new technology is so essential to the learning of the future. Technology is the new wave of the future and it’s time that everyone gets on board. Before this class I never even thought about using this kind of media in a classroom. This isn’t because I was afraid or unsure, I think it is because I have never seen a teacher use technology in this way before in the classroom. Blogs, wikis and podcasts are great tools to use for not only literacy activities but for lessons and activities across the curriculum. After viewing the various websites and seeing what teachers and students could do with blogs, wikis and podcasts, I would have to say that I would prefer to use wikis only if they could be password protected. But, as you said the different technologies lend themselves better to some activities than others. So, if I had another choice it would be a weblog as well depending on what I was using the technology for. I like that with wiki pages, students are in constant communication with each other and able to update and edit each others pages. When it comes to blogs, I love the idea of using a blog page as a way to conduct literature circles. When it comes to these 2.0 technologies, there are definitely some concerns. Pop-ups and student privacy and confidentiality are definitely issues that need to be considered before setting your class up with one of these new technologies. I think that before using any of these medias there would need to be a lot of discussion with the principal, computer tech staff and even with parents. Letters of consent would absolutely need to go home if pictures are posted on any other the wikis, podcasts or blogs as well as maybe even a disclaimer about illicit pop-ups that may occur on the screen just for protection for the teacher and the school. That being said, I do think that the benefits of using these technologies out weighs any issues of concern. I do believe that the use of these new technologies in the classroom will only deepen and broaden a students level of learning and in some cases even their confidence in their own ability to learn.

- Sari Weber That was a thoughtful post. Looking at all sides of a situation is an important skill for teachers. Too often when someone is reckless and simply dives in without weighing both the pros and the cons, they find themselves in a sticky situation. You can password protect a space like this, or simply leave it open. The choice would be your when you set it up (or even after set up). I believe that you are safe from popups and popunders here or at least I haven't seen any. Sometimes the school can filter them as well. As for using a weblog for literature circles,** **your students will be motivated and most likely start discussion threads that are of high quality.** **Just think about the depth of the posts in this course when people respond on blackboard and here on the wiki. - Susan Luft**
 * Hi Sari,

Before taking this class, I had heard of the terms blogs, wikis, and podcasts, but was unsure of their use and completely lost as to how to start one. In a world where technology is moving at a fast pace, it is crucial that we, as teachers, become interested in learning about these new technologies so that we can use them in our classroom as a motivational tool and a resource to learning. The use of technology in the classroom is shown to increase student learning and produce higher academic achievement in a variety of subject areas. In today’s classrooms, computers are transforming the way students are being taught. With the increased use of web 2.0 technologies in classrooms, both teachers and students are beginning to explore what the Internet has to offer, both good and bad. There are obvious benefits to using web 2.0 technologies in the classroom and some concerns that teachers may have as well. Learning about the web 2.0 technologies, blogs, wikis, and podcasts, has certainly opened my eyes to the many ways they can be used with our students to keep them motivated and interested in what is being taught. I loved how students who were visiting another country used a blog to communicate with their classmates about differences in cultures. Blogs are a wonderful way for our students to interact with students across the world to learn about the various cultures and backgrounds of other students. Podcasts would also be a great way to do this so that students could actually see each other. I would certainly love to try using a podcast with my students now who are currently learning about planting. It would be wonderful if we could podcast with a classroom from perhaps, Arizona, where the climate is different than ours. My students could work with other students to see how climates change the way plants grow. The benefits to using web 2.0 technologies are numerous, but there are obvious hesitations to using them as well. Before using web 2.0 technologies, teachers must be prepared and willing to learn as much as they can. Also, schools must develop certain goals, plans and budgets to ensure that technology can be used to its fullest. Teachers should act as leaders in the implementation of technology into the classroom. A letter of consent must be sent home with each student before they are allowed to access the Internet, making parents aware that their students will be accessing the Internet and communicating with others via blogs, wikis, and podcasts. It is also essential that teachers access safe websites and avoid pop-ups. This is a huge disadvantage to using the Internet with students, but accommodations can be made to ensure that our students are accessing safe material. Although there are hesitations to using these web 2.0 technologies in the classroom, there are far more benefits. The Internet is a very beneficial tool in the classroom for gaining information and for communicating. It is also an integral part of education and is very useful in educating our students beyond what the classroom has to offer.

-Katie Camia

I totally understand your concerns about safety, though I haven't run into any problems as of yet. Most schools "acceptable use policy" for using their technology will cover the Internet use part, but letting parents know about your plans for instruction with blogs, wikis, etc. is always a good idea. My experience has been that they are all for it, as long as common sense safety measures are in place. I like your idea about having students share podscasts with another group with a different climate (Arizona). You would certainly leave a lasting impression of the content as well as experience on your students. How would you go about finding that class? There are many safe clearing houses for projects such as the one you describe. This week we will go through several effective instructional models that could help get a project like that running. - Susan Luft** When I first signed up for this course I thought I was going to receive a lot of information that I already knew because I already took a computer class in my undergrad, but I am happy that I am learning a lot. Prior to taking this course I had heard of podcasts, wikis, and blogs, but the blogs I knew about were the ones that you use on my space. So, I definitely have learned a lot so far on how technology can be incorporated into the classroom. I thought I was technology advanced when I mastered the smart board or was using a PowerPoint presentation. I know see that there are many other fun ways to incorporate technology in the classroom and a lot of teachesr across the country are using it. I am glad I am taking this class because I felt “behind the times” not knowing how to go about using these programs. I really love the blogs that we explored in class, especially the one where students post the lessons for the day. I would love to do it and have assignments on the computer so students can go home, blog about the lesson or answer the question I have posted as well. I know if I was a student it would have helped me in school if another student explained what was going on because I was always too embarrassed to ask if I didn’t understand. I could even assign students, to blog about the lesson we learned for the day. I would love to blog about lessons myself so the students who are absent could go on at home and see what they missed and the assignments for that day. I also really love the podcasts for the primary grades because they can show what great readers they are and can be proud and confident about their story for the day. It’s great that parents can go on and hear their child and show it to the whole family. I remember back in the day of tapes, my teacher recorded me reading one of my own stories, now I look at today and see how much technology has changed. My students don’t even know what tapes are. I think all this technology is great, but I don’t think I feel confident enough yet to do it on my own. I think to start out I would feel more comfortable if the computer teacher was available to guide me through my first time, if I was doing to with another teacher at the same time, or if a teacher in the building had done it before. After going through it once with guidance I might feel more confident to do it on my own the next time. Using any type of technology in the classroom is a great motivator. I see every day any chance that I let the students use the smart board they are so excited and I think it increases their understanding of the content. I love that students and teachers can communicate about certain subjects, instead of pen pals I feel like it’s virtual. I see how excited students are when they receive a letter from their pen pal; I could only imagine how they will feel when the class gets to communicate with another elementary school in the same district or another state.
 * Hi Katie,

Jessica Muenz- Working with the computer teacher is a great way to get started. Most tech teachers are grateful for the opportunity to be collaborative with a classroom teacher and to work authentically within the curriculum. When we begin to work this way the sky is the limit! Susan Luft**
 * Jessica,