Goals for this Web 2.0 Adventure

"What remains?" cried Ivanhoe, "Glory, maiden, glory! which gilds our sepulchre and embalms our name." --Sir Walter Scott

What would I like to gain from this adventure?? Inquiry-based learning requires that students “identify what they already know, ask intriguing questions about what they do not know, investigate the answers, construct new understandings, and share those understandings” (Berger & Trexler, 2010, p. 11). While the first post in this proposal outlines my starting place, the questions below, in this final post, will create a framework for learning for the next two months.

Five Essential Questions:

1) Why should teachers and students use Web 2.0 tools?

2) How can Web 2.0 tools support the development of community and collaboration?

3) How can Web 2.0 tools assist teachers and students in sharing and delivering curriculum content?

4) Which web tools work well (alone or together) to increase efficiency and organization?

5) Where do I want to go next on this Web 2.0 journey?

I anticipate that the eight tools I have selected for investigation will increase my comfort and expedience with using Web 2.0 tools both at home and in the classroom. With each tool I investigate, I will be asking myself both ‘how can I use this?’ and ‘how could my students use this?’ I hope that each tool I have selected becomes a regular part of my learning, teaching and living routine.

REFERENCES

Berger, P., & Trexler, S. (2010). Choosing web 2.0 tools for learning and teaching in a digital world. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

What is my Starting Place with Web 2.0?

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. --Walt Disney

Up until mid-2010, my skills with classroom technology were based on traditional Windows / Web 1.0 tools.

I job-shared the 2010-2011 with another student of the TL-DL program, and thus began a steep learning curve for me with Web 2.0 tools. Under Jessica Nikula's leadership, we set up a blog and wiki to communicate with parents and create a place for students to download homework assignments. We experimented with unit projects using VoiceThread, Animoto, PBWorks and Blogger. At first, I felt in over my head. However, it soon fell into place. With a little practice, I learned that the tools were simple to use, convenient and fun, and more importantly, they allowed students to demonstrate and collaborate on learning outcomes often in a self-directed way.

In preparation for this course, I did some further groundwork with Google Reader, Diigo, Evernote and Twitter.

In the past year, I’ve not only gotten acquainted with concept of Web 2.0, I’ve also become comfortable using several of the applications. I am excited to spend the next couple of months delving into Web 2.0 more deeply.