Thing #2 Thoughts about Web 2.0
Initial Thoughts of Web 2.0
My initial thoughts about Web 2.0 and its role in the 21st Century teaching and learning were that there is a limited use of this technology in the classroom. I really saw it as a social tool for computer geeks. I could see using Web 2.0 technology to support or add to lessons while incorporating TEKS in technology. I thought that students would benefit with occasional use of this technology in the classroom. One lesson – 45 minutes –once a week.

Changes in Professional Practice
As I begin to integrate more and more technological tools in the classroom, I can see it as a powerful learning and communication tool that can be used regularly in the classroom. I see power in the ability for students to tap into a community of learners, collaborating and learning from each other, joining the global community, and tapping into all the vast cyberinformation available for our learning and enjoyment. I see the strength and need for “exponential learning”, “plugging in”, “getting wired”, “surfing the web - riding the wave”.

Engaging “Digital Learners”
Instead of giving students “Post-it” notes and posting them on chart paper, students can now post their comments to a blog. There is much more interactive collaboration. Students can use web 2.0 technology tools to enhance their learning and projects. Students can follow their own paths of interests, both individually and collaboratively. They can decide what they want to learn, how much they want to learn, and to what depth. I already see a need for every child in my classroom to have a laptop. I can see my classroom community “wired” in the 21st century where infinite knowledge is at our fingertips. Students stay engaged in the learning because, as digital natives, it is the way they learn, it is what they know, and it is a way to connect them with school, learning, education, and the future.

How will I use web 2.0 to support my learning? I’ve already connected….I just found the current, and I’m heading toward the cybersea. You’ll be seeing more of me out there in ∞.