Thing #2 Thoughts about Web 2.0

My initial thoughts about Web 2.0 were that many of the tools were exciting and useful but that many uses seemed like a waste of time. I loved the idea of wikis, image banks, and podcasts but resisted the social networking sites and most blogs. I still don’t like the idea of writing blogs for the whole world to see. I do love Facebook, which really shocked me.

Web 2.0 tools have many roles in 21^st Century teaching and learning but one that I think is most exciting is how they facilitate collaboration. Students, teachers, and people from around the world can interact in real time now. Back in the day, I would set up pen pals for my students with a class across the country. But printing out pictures and mailing hard copies of everything was expensive and cumbersome. Now, the same thing can be done for free with the click of the mouse. Another exciting use is having students participate in virtual experiences with scientists in the field. They can collect and analyze data that would be too expensive or dangerous for them to do in person.

A few tools that I am planning on using are podcasts and wikis. I hope to create podcasts on content for teachers to use with students and also podcasts that will serve as training aids for teachers. Teachers schedules are so packed that I hope giving some the option of learning at the time and location of their convenience will be helpful. Since many teachers are now getting their Master’s Degrees online it is a mode of learning they are coming to expect. I’m also hoping to use a wiki to set up better communication between teachers and the Science Resource Center.

I use Web 2.0 tools to support my own learning all the time. Recently, I was looking for a particular kind of image on the Earth Science World Image Bank. As I was browsing, I came across a picture that I found confusing. I looked up the name of the person that contributed the image and then I googled him. I found the university he taught at and looked up his email address. I then emailed him my question. He responded the next day by sending me a detailed explanation of the phenomena and a couple of powerpoints too. The user created image bank is wonderful but the idea that I can communicate with the people posting the pictures is incredible.