So
The first I looked at is the Wikipedia page for the term "Web 2.0". Their definition is "Web 2.0 is a concept that takes the network as a platform for information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the Internet or World Wide Web." Basically it means the way in which the internet is evolving. We don't just log onto the internet to search for information, rather, we use it as a means of communication, connection and entertainment. This article is very full of information, some of which is a bit technical I admit, but it's also pretty interesting. Would you believe the term Web 2.0 was actually coined back in 1999?? How much have things changed since then? If you have a moment, I'd recommend reading through this page and informing yourself of the changes that have come and those that are around the corner.
The next two are directed at teachers, so I found them to be a bit more applicable to me personally. Tech&Learning has got an short, albeit informative article titled Web 2.0- a Guide for Educators. They break down what probably should be common sense by now; kids these days are using technology as younger ages than ever, so educators need to jump on board as well. Teachers 2.0 is a neat site for teachers which includes a forum as well as a podcast. They do various polls occasionally and include a blog. The website, from what I just read, was attacked by a spammer. This is unfortunate but is also a good example of one of the risks of making things more technologically driven.
And now I have two questions to answer. The first being "What does "School 2.0" mean to you?" This is fairly easy since I am very open to utilizing technology in my teaching.We already have online schooling available to those who home-school and computers are more critical to the learning process now than they ever have been. Question two ties into the first: "What does it mean for schools of the future?" I envision paperless classrooms in the not-so-distant future. Not only that, but perhaps a classroom where the teacher is live via webcam so students who are home sick or who maybe live too far away to realistically attend the school physically can keep up and communicate via a two-way channel like Skype. I also see classrooms being more handicap friendly. For example, a student who is hard of hearing could have a tablet with an application open that takes everything the teacher says and types it up in front of them. Something similar could be used for a student who has trouble keeping up and/or taking notes, and they could have applications that give additional one-on-one instruction when it's not practical for the teacher to do so.
Question of the day-How would you feel about a teacher being broadcast live via webcam?
I think a teacher being recorded via webcam could actually help some people. There are plenty of people who are afraid to ask questions or get easily distracted in the classroom. I hope I'm answering these questions in the right text.
ReplyDeleteYou are and thanks so much for your continued support! And I agree, for those socially awkward students it could be easier to open up from the comfort of their own home and still be able to participate in discussions as well as lessons.
DeleteI know this is getting more and more popular, especially for schools who want to do a "duel education" program, sending students through college while they're in high school. I feel that as long as there are opportunities for students to communicate with professors about concerns and questions, webcam classes are fine. I wouldn't see them as being effective from early childhood until students reach fifteen or sixteen, as supervision and hands on help are required during these years.
ReplyDeleteHi Alana! I totally agree with everything you said! The classroom in today's society is becoming more and more technology friendly! I think this is a great thing, because students can learn so many techniques and great things while using technology!
ReplyDeleteWow, your ideas for the future are amazing. Just imagining the technology that could be used in the classroom is boggling! But though it sounds amazing, I feel that if our classrooms turn completely digital that children will miss out in being around real people, and having that classroom socialization. Yes, it's cool to think about being able to lead a class of students that may have a hard time getting to a school house due to living way out in the middle of nowhere, in a town that may have a population of 4 people every 20 miles but... I don't know I have such mixed feelings! I'd hate to take away physical interaction of a real classroom, but at the same time it would be mighty helpful to those kids who live too far away or those who may have a handicap/learning disability.
ReplyDeleteI do agree! There are situations where a digital classroom is ideal, but I'm one of those people who'd rather hold a book and read it than handle a kindle or whatever. I feel like if there was an even mix of technology and "old school", it would create an ideal learning environment.
DeleteI like your idea about using Skype and assitive technoloy for disabled students to be able to access classroom information.
ReplyDelete