Technology Self-Assessment: School 2.0

NETS 5

I was able to take an assessment on technology and reflected on the results.

            When taking the technology assessment I realized I still have a lot to learn when it comes to integrating technology into the classroom. I chose to investigate two resources after reviewing my results.

The first article I looked at was called “Top 10 Web 2.0 Tools for Young Learners”. This article caught my interest because I find it hard to come up with ways to use technology in the classroom when it comes to elementary school students. The article gives a list of tools the Internet offers that would apply to the younger generation of students. One of these tools is called Kerproof. Kerproof is a creative tool for animation, drawing and movie creation. As a teacher, I could use this tool to create my own animations or movies that connects to whatever subject we are covering in class. Another tool this article suggested to use was Animoto, which is an automated presentation generator that focuses on using images to communicate a message.

            The second article I read was called “Too Cool for School? No Way!—Using the TPACK Framework: You Can Have Your Hot Tools and Teach with Them, Too”. This article discussed ways in which teacher could go about using new technology in their classroom. The article states that today’s technology such as blogs, wikis, and GPS systems were not created for teachers, therefore teachers need to repurpose these technical tools for education by knowing the ins and outs of these technology tools. The article says teachers need to develop experiential understanding by training and practicing with these tools. This article encourages and teaches teachers to develop digital-age experiences.

Journal 1: "Do Web 2.0 Right" (NETS 3)

Light, D. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Leaning and Leading with Technology, 38(5), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx
Summary: Daniel Light and his colleague, Deborah Polin, traveled around the United States to explore the uses of Web 2.0 as supplemental educational tools inside and

outside the classroom. They found many teachers were able to use blogs and wikis as a way to promote conversation and interest in the topics discussed in class. Blogs were also found to be a very useful tool for dialogue between not only teachers and students, but between the students themselves. Light listed three elements that led teachers to be most successful when using the Web 2.0 tools. The first element was to use these tools as a daily practice instead of a “special project”. This allows the students and teachers to use the Web 2.0 tools, especially blogs, to their fullest potential. Creating on going dialogue

throughout the school year about topics covered in class allows the students to

not only retain the information better, but also become actively involved in

their own learning. The second element was to carefully select the audience who

has access to the information. Light discussed the indication of lack of participation from students based upon who would have access to view and comment on their posted ideas or thoughts. Most of the teachers who used blogs in their classroom limited the access of information to just the class, the school and parents or the broader community. Some teachers even restricted the access solely between student and teacher, allowing the student to reflect on their experiences in class without the fear of ridicule. The third and final element of success light stated was exhibiting appropriate behavior while using these

tools. Teachers must build a learning community within the classroom that

transpires to the web, and students must respect these online tools for educational purposes. The tools available on Web 2.0, if used properly, can be extremely effective in promoting interest and communication among students in today’s classrooms.

Question 1: Why is creating a community within the classroom so important to the success of using these types of online tools? 

        Creating a community within the classroom is crucial to the success of these types of online tools for numerous reasons. One reason being the students need to feel comfortable and confident when posting their ideas and thoughts online. When a supportive community is built within the classroom, students will feel more motivated to give critical and thoughtful feedback

online. Another important reason for creating a community in the classroom is so

students will be more willing to respect the use of the online tool for

educational purposes instead of simply social interactions.

Question 2: When implementing the use of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, how

would you get the parents to be involved and aware of the intentions and

purposes of using this type of technology?

         When using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, I feel it is extremely

important to not only have the student involved, but their parents as well. When

beginning the use of an online tool I would send home a letter explaining in

detail what will be happening and the purposes for using the tools. I will have

the parents sign the letter stating that they have read the letter then send it

back to class with their student. Having the parents involved, especially with

young students, will support the use of the Web 2.0 tools for educational

purposes only and may even prompt discussions regarding classroom subjects

between student and parent.