It Is ... Inspired Teaching Inspiring Students

Learning and Teaching with Web 2.0 Tools
(All)

Overview

The Internet as we know it has been constantly changing and improving over the past several years and these changes have been so numerous and so dramatic as to inspire people to refer to this "new" internet as Web 2.0 or the Read/Write Web. The content of the Read/Write Web, as we will call it, is characterized by open communication, freedom to share and re-use content, and dynamic interactivity among users of varying technical abilities around the globe. A multitude of web-based tools now are available that can allow people to organize their favorite bookmarks, write online documents, and share information with others through social software like blogs and wikis. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant. Students can be empowered to see how their ideas can be shared easily with the world and students around the globe can easily collaborate and communicate with each other to build knowledge communities that are not dependent on time and space. A few dedicated educators are sharing their ideas and blogging about these new tools so that they can be used effectively in classrooms. In this course, participants will be exposed to many of the tools of the Read/Write Web and will get the chance to experiment with new tools each week. The final session will focus on how educators can help students to use these new tools safely. Discussions will help participants focus on how these tools can be integrated into the classroom to make the most of their potential to enhance student learning.

Goals and Products

This course will enable participants to

1. Understand the fundamental changes that the Read/Write Web is bringing about in all areas including business, politics and journalism
2. Learn about some of the tools of the Read/Write web such as RSS feeds, Social Bookmarking, Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts
3. Create their own Blogs and Wikis for personal and/or professional use
4. Locate resources for downloading and creating educational Podcasts and Streaming Videos
5. Create accounts for storing, organizing, and retrieving web-based information using RSS feeds and Social Bookmarking tools
6. Explore tools and strategies for keeping students safe on the Read/Write Web

Course Products

As a final product, participants will complete a planning template outlining how they can integrate the Read/Write Web tools into a lesson or unit they currently teach. In addition, participants will maintain a blog throughout the course in which they will reflect on what they are learning. Participants will be expected to view the blogs of their fellow participants periodically and leave comments several times during the course. Course Facilitators will also monitor and comment on all participant blogs throughout the course.

Content and Technology Standards

None listed.

Reproduced with permission from Education Development Center, Inc.,
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