All Posts are related to my research on Web2.0 Tools and links to innovative uses in education.
Feel free to Comment and provide links to other valuable resources.
These tools can be used in any eLearning or traditional school settings that desire to integrate
emerging technologies into their curriculum.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Post 9: Web 2.0, Rigor, Relevance & Education

Continuing from previous Blog --- following the video I asked the kids 'What is Web 2.0?' and sent them to Google for 3 minutes. I then requested rapid fire, key word definitions and wrote them on the board, including Blogs, YouTube, Google Docs, Wikis, social networking, and more. I then asked for a raise of hands who used some of these tools and 100% of the kids hands went up. Of course social networking was the most popular tool (gaming, YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, etc.). However, I suspect very few educators have actually experienced or are using many of these tools.

Here is my response: schools want more rigor out of kids, which means they must first achieve more relevance. Todays kids are social, social, social --- and that is a key component of Web 2.0.
So, educators, become the 'guide on the side' that models and encourages kids to use these tools for the lessons and activities you plan in your classroom. I guarantee kids will become much more engaged with your curriculum, and rigor is simply a bi-product.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Technology is constantly changing. The www has now evolved into “Web 2.0” and is the second wave of the World Wide Web. Most of us still follow the textbook type of teaching, where the students are made to by-heart, recite and write what is taught by us. As teachers how evolved are we in terms of incorporating technology with the curriculum? In an era of global connectivity teachers should be actively involved to make the students aware of the digital tools available and how effectively they can be used for learning purposes. Such learning methodologies creates a sense of “self directed” learning and problem solving attitude among students.

Unknown said...

However, I suspect very few educators have actually experienced or are using many of these tools. technology in the classroom